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Essence of the South Island

Tui

4.60 out of 5
(from 1842 reviews)

8 Days -
From US$3999 + tax

Short on time? On this adventure you’ll hike, bike, kayak, cruise and jet boat in some extraordinary parts of the South Island. You can combine this with our 5-day 'Kauri' to see both Islands in two weeks.

Trip Introduction

This is an action-packed adventure where you’ll explore some of New Zealand’s most iconic and remote wilderness. It works well if your vacation time is limited, since you can fly from North America on a Friday evening, sleep on the plane, and be back at work ten days later to share your photos and stories on Monday morning. For a great way to see the North Island too, combine this trip with our11-day 'Kauri' (5-day 'Kauri' options available).

Activity level: The ‘Tui’ suits people of a wide range of fitness levels and outdoor experience, particularly if you enjoy a variety of activities. Typically hikes on the ‘Tui’ trip range between two and six hours to complete.

Gallery

Interactive Trip Map

Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrive, hike in Arthur's Pass

Most people leave the northern hemisphere on a Friday evening, arriving into Auckland early Sunday morning. You'll lose a day crossing the dateline – but you get it back on the way home! It's a short flight from Auckland to Christchurch in the South Island where we'll meet you. We'll then travel into the Southern Alps to hike Devils Punchbowl in Arthur's Pass. The walk will take you through native beech forest to an awesome 131 metre (430 feet) waterfall so make sure you have your camera handy! From there, we'll head down the coast to Franz Josef where we'll stay the night. Nestled in the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, Franz Josef is the heart of New Zealand glacier country.Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef (Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2 — Hike near Franz Josef Glacier

With some 140 glaciers making their way down from the Southern Alps, this area is fittingly known as glacier country. Few sights equal the spectacle of two of these giant frozen rivers (Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers) imperceptibly grinding their way down through temperate rainforest to just 250 metres (820 feet) above sea level. We'll spend most of the day near Franz Josef Glacier hiking up through the forest to either Alex Knob or Roberts Point, both of which give incredible views of the ice. These hikes can be inaccessible in wet weather, so we may opt to hike close to the terminal face of Fox Glacier, or around Lake Matheson.

Optional Heli-hike (add US$350 + tax)A less strenuous, but outrageously scenic alternative to today’s hike is to heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier itself. After being fitted with crampons, ice axes and so on, you’ll board a turbine helicopter and fly towards the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, landing on the glacier at 1300 metres (4000 feet) above sea level. Led by specialist glacier guides, you’ll hike through the grand ice formations of the glacier, checking out its crevasses, seracs and tunnels – no previous experience is required! The constant movement of the glacier means every day is different, so your guides will cut steps in the ice to make the most of the conditions. At the end of your hike on the ice, you’ll take another helicopter ride out of the mountains and back to civilisation. The heli-hike is extremely popular, so we offer advance reservations with the helicopter operators and guiding company. At the time of booking, or up until one month before your trip, we can reserve a space for you, or you can leave your decision until the start of your trip and your guides will get you a spot if it’s available.

From Franz Josef, we’ll travel down the coast through lush forest to Haast, and over the divide to a small mountain village called Makarora, where we’ll enjoy some local fare.Makarora Lodgings, Makarora (All meals)

Day 3 (morning) — Start Mt Aspiring National Park options

This morning we’ll make our final preparations for our incredible flight into Mount Aspiring National Park, and true wilderness.

Siberia Valley Wilderness option in Mt Aspiring National Park

Day 3 (afternoon) - Scenic flight, hike Lake Crucible

If you like the idea of staying in one of New Zealand’s most isolated mountain huts, then this option is for you (but let us know early as space is limited!) We’ll start with a stunning scenic flight alongside the snowy Southern Alps to the Siberia Valley airstrip, a short hike from our home for the night. After lightening your packs at the hut, you can hike up the trail to Lake Crucible, a cauldron-like glacial lake with fantastic views of the valley below. Tonight you’ll be served a candle-lit dinner in a picturesque National Park. This is the only night on the ‘Tui’ where your accommodation is basic, though it’s a true Kiwi experience and a lot of fun. Your load will be little more than a day pack – our guides will carry the lion’s share. You’ll be carrying a backpack with a sleeping bag, a few spare clothes and some food – no need for any more than that, although we have tents you can carry along if you’d prefer to camp out under the stars.Siberia Hut, Mt Aspiring National Park (All meals)

Day 4 (morning) - Hike Siberia Valley, jet boat Wilkin River

After an early start, we spend the morning hiking to Kerin Forks, at the head of the Wilkin River, where we’ll be met by a jet boat for an exhilarating ride back to Makarora to meet up with the rest of the group for lunch.

Makarora Adventure in Mt Aspiring National Park

If you prefer accommodation with modern amenities instead of a mountain hut for the night, then this is the option for you. You’ll head out for a mind-blowing scenic flight into Mt Aspiring National Park, with a bird’s eye view of the lower Southern Alps, landing in the remote Siberia Valley. From here you’ll hike downstream along the Wilkin River, through beautiful silver beech (Nothofagus menziesii) forests to a jet boat rendezvous. Then it’s a thrilling ride back to Makarora for dinner and perhaps a well-earned drink at the Makarora pub.Makarora Lodgings, Makarora (All meals)

Day 4 (morning) - Hike on Mt Shrimpton

This morning we’ll hike the Mt Shrimpton track. It’s a steep hike with a 750 metres (2500 feet) elevation gain, and wait until you see the views from above the tree-line! Alternatively, you can have a relaxing sleep in and spend your morning soaking up the mountain views.

After regrouping in Makarora, we’ll have a picnic lunch before taking a beautiful drive through spectacular glacier-carved valleys. The landscape changes rapidly from dense beech forests to semi-arid terrain. When we arrive at Lake Hawea, you’ll be fitted with a 21-speed front-suspension Avanti Black Thunder 7.1 mountain bike for a scenic ride along the Hawea River Trail. This gently undulating track follows the Hawea and Clutha Rivers through the rugged Central Otago landscape for 17 kilometres (10 miles) to the charming lakeside town of Wanaka. From Wanaka, it’s a short but dramatic journey over the Cardrona Saddle to Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. You’ll sleep sweetly tonight at a lakefront hotel located in the heart of Queenstown.Crowne Plaza Hotel, Queenstown (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 5 — Gondola ride, hike Ben Lomond or free day in Queenstown

Today you have two options – a full day hike or a free day to yourself. For those keen for an alpine hike, you'll meet your guide at reception at 9am, ready to head up the Ben Lomond Track. To save our legs a little, we’ll take a short gondola ride up to Bob’s Peak, which is 450 metres (1476 feet) above Queenstown. From there we’ll head out along the trail through alpine tussock-land towards the summit of Ben Lomond. From this vantage point you’ll find yourself immersed in amazing views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, which are themselves dwarfed by the surrounding mountains including Mt Aspiring. As an alternative, you can have a free day to explore on your own. Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand (if not the world!) and all the comforts of civilisation are packed into this tiny resort town: restaurants galore, sidewalk cafés, stylish lounge bars, day spas, and boutiques. You’ll also find incredible optional activities here including horse trekking, kayaking, fishing, winery tours, hang gliding, mountain biking, bungy jumping, jet boating and skydiving. Or you can just soak up the atmosphere or lounge about reading a book. Your guides will happily share their favourite haunts and point you in the right direction for your free day today.Crowne Plaza Hotel, Queenstown (No meals incl.)

Day 6 — Hike Fiordland National Park

This morning, we set off for our largest and perhaps most spectacular national park, Fiordland. Once within the park we’ll stop to stretch our legs at regular intervals, to explore some of the highlights of this World Heritage Area, including the Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Marian Gantry and The Chasm. The waterfalls viewed from the gantry will take your breath away! Once through the Homer Tunnel we’ll emerge at the top of a spectacular glacier-carved valley for a memorable descent to the shore of Milford Sound. Rudyard Kipling rated this fiord as the eighth natural wonder of the world and it is truly breathtaking, with steep granite walls plunging over a thousand metres to the Tasman Sea and waterfalls cascading into deep inky water. Tonight you’re in for an extra-special experience, as we’ll board the Milford Wanderer for an overnight cruise in the sheltered fiord. For those who’re keen, there’s time to explore a short section of the Milford Track - you’ll transfer on a smaller vessel to Sandfly Point and join a naturalist guide for approximately 1.5 hours, before rejoining the Wanderer in time for a sumptuous dinner! Milford Wanderer Overnight Cruise, Milford Sound (All meals)

Day 7 — Sea kayak Milford Sound, hike Routeburn Track

Having seen Milford Sound from the deck of a ship there’s one more unique activity we’ve got lined up for you, to experience the eighth natural wonder ‘Active Style’, gliding along in sea kayaks. You’ll cause very little disturbance to the water, being in kayaks, providing an excellent chance of meeting friendly fur seals and dolphins that are sometimes in the area. This trip is run by specialist kayak guides, and the paddling here is equally suitable for beginners and experts. After lunch, we’ll explore the Fiordland wilderness on foot again, with a hike to Key Summit on the famous Routeburn Track. The panoramic views are incredible from this vantage point and you’ll probably get to meet New Zealand’s notoriously cheeky and intelligent alpine parrot, the kea (Nestor notabilis). Tonight we’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner for the last night of the ‘Tui’.Lake Manapouri Inn, Manapouri (All meals)

Day 8 — Depart for home

After breakfast, we'll return to Queenstown. This is the end of your 'Tui' trip and you'll have had an exhilarating week. We'll leave you buzzing with excitement, but feeling relaxed and refreshed as well! For a great way to see the North Island too, where you'll experience Maori culture, pristine beaches and geothermal areas, combine this trip with our 11-day 'Kauri' (5-day 'Kauri' options available).(Breakfast)

Useful Info

No Forced Single Supplement:

Most other travel companies charge all solo travellers a single supplement fee. We don't! When it comes to accommodation, our trip fares are based on a twin-share rate, which means we'll match you up with another person of the same gender to share a room with. If there's no one suitable to share with, there's no forced single supplement! Having said that, if you specifically request your own room, you can opt to pay the additional single supplement fee.

Trip Start:

On the first day of the trip we can either pick you up from the Heartland Hotel Cotswold in Christchurch at 9.30am, or at Christchurch airport in front of the Travel and Information desk at 10am.

Trip End:

On the last day of the trip we can drop you off at Queenstown airport (ZQN) in time for the recommended flights below, or anywhere in Queenstown around lunch time.

Recommended flights:

Arrival: If you’re flying in on the first day of the trip, we recommend arriving in Christchurch before 9am on Sunday.Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Queenstown any time after 12 noon. If you are considering alternative flight times, or an international departure from Queenstown, please check with us. International flights from Auckland airport (AKL) usually leave early evening, so if you’re heading back to North America, you’ll get home some time on Sunday, even though you left on Sunday evening! Flights back to Europe, of course, take a little longer.

Fitness:

The ‘Tui’ suits people of a wide range of fitness levels and outdoor experience, particularly if you enjoy a variety of activities. If you keep reasonably active and like to give things a go, you’re likely to enjoy the activities much more. Typically, hikes on the ‘Tui’ trip range between two and six hours to complete, and there are shorter alternatives to the longer hikes. If you’re used to pushing yourself further, we’ll keep you challenged as well. Please get in touch with us if you’d like to chat about the trip or activities.

Reviews

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Carol

“Had a wonderful time in the TUI Trip with my daughter who is working in New Zealand. We had two cheerful, supportive and very competent Kiwi young lady guides who guided us on an exciting cross section of outdoor pursuits!
Had a grand time doing lots of physical activity under their watchful eyes. Also covered more ground that we could have managed ourselves on our first New Zealand Adventure! It was “sweet as””

Carol Harris – Ontario, CanadaNovember 2018

Back "Home", But Homesick for the South Island!

“On a scale of 1-10, I'd rate this trip with Tess, Clara and the Tucker family a 37.”

Annie Close – California, United StatesNovember 2018

Awesome!

“an unexpected gem!! As a solo traveler who enjoys "hardcore" fitness adventures and off the beaten path backpacking trips...I was not sure I would enjoy " group" travel and all that comes with it.....Boy was I wrong!! :) I would go again tomorrow ! Thank you for opening my eyes to this new way of travel :)”

Catherine Drury – Arizona, United StatesNovember 2018

Tui Trip

“FABULOUS GUIDES: Lauren and Caleb were funny, informative, polite,encouraging and very accommodating. I wouldn’t have made it to the Summit on the final day without Lauren’s encouragement and patience. To help me achieve that, she even carried my backpack for the last part of the hike
ACCOMADATIONS: Each location that we stayed at had very cozy and quaint accomadations.
FOOD:The food was fantastic. Not only did our guides prep, cook and serve each guest, they took each guest’ dietary needs into consideration.
ACTIVITIES: We wanted adventure and boy, ACTIVE ADVENTURES DELIVERED! I’ve never had a vacation that included such a variety of thrilling activities to experience in a short amount of time. The trip to New Zealand not only took my breath away, it stole my heart! ”

Terri Krawietz – Texas, United StatesNovember 2018

Tui Trip - Caitlin and Tess

“Amazing trip. Wonderful experience. It was everything we expected and more. ”

Roger Cormier – Ontario, CanadaNovember 2018

Great Trip! Great Guides! Great Time!

“My wife and I just turned 60 and celebrated by going to the South Island on the "Tui" trip. We had a fantastic time, very well planned and organized by Active Adventures, and our guides Claire and Kelsey were excellent. The highpoints were the Siberia Valley overnight, with small plane ride in and jet boat ride out, the kayaking in Milford Sound, and the time in beautiful Queenstown. Highly recommended!”

Scott Ness – New Mexico, United StatesNovember 2018

Fabulous

“This trip was just fabulous. The guides, Caitlyn and Tess were top notch. They were kind and respectful and attended to our every need. I could not have asked for better. I was very nervous about this tour to begin with and Tess made me feel comfortable before we even left the airport. I cannot say enough about these two guides. Food was great and the sights were beyond measure. ”

Anne Scholz – Oregon, United StatesOctober 2018

Amazing Adventure

“I had such a great time on the Tui trip with Kelsey and Claire! There is no way I would've been able to see or do everything we did on my own on the South Island without the Active Adventures itinerary. Everything was so organized and the most efficient use of our time. Kelsey and Claire were amazing guides. They got to know each of us in the group and made sure we were able to see and do everything we wanted! This trip went above and beyond my expectations, and it's something I will never forget! :) ”

Tessa Humphries – British Columbia, CanadaOctober 2018

Tui Teriffic!

“The tour was great and we made both friends and memories. Our guides, Maddi and Nick B. took very good care of us, in the planning of all the big and little details so that we were able to thoroughly enjoy the beauty of New Zealand.”

Kathy Absher – Washington, United StatesOctober 2018

Hartnell Tour

“This was a trip worth bottling!
We had guides who from the very beginning made us at home.
Every day we had multiple highlights from wading through freezing rivers to soaring vistas at the top of incredible peaks, to the simple pleasures of eating fresh whitebait from the nearest river.
Nothing was too much trouble, and we experienced New Zealand in all its glory.
From the first booking to the sad farewell, this trip was faultless, and I can not wait to come up with an excuse to do it again.”

Nick Hartnell – New South Wales, AustraliaOctober 2018

What a Way to See New Zealand!

“We thoroughly enjoyed our time in New Zealand with Active Adventures. New Zealand is a beautiful country with lots to see, but seeing it in an active way really gives you a chance to appreciate so many things you wouldn't get a chance to otherwise. But above that, the guides and staff with Active Adventures couldn't have been better. We had so much fun with Nick and Maddi! They were helpful, knowledgeable, adaptable, kind and friendly.”

Tom Absher – Washington, United StatesOctober 2018

New Zealand....a MUST do trip!!

Variety and Flexibility

“What i love most about this tour is not just the variety of the activities, but more importantly the flexibility of choosing what I would like and not like to do. If something is too hard or too inconvenient, I was always given the choice to opt out of that activity.”

Rhyan Uy – , PhilippinesJune 2018

Our Amazing Honeymoon

“Words cannot explain just how incredible this trip was. Katie and Astrid were wonderful guides and the entire trip was perfect, and I hate using that word. We had rain, sunshine, and even a hike through the snow at Ben Lomond, and I wouldn't have changed a thing. This was the experience of a lifetime and I strongly recommend it for anyone who wants to get a little more out of a vacation!”

Frank Garcia – Florida, United StatesJune 2018

GREAT Highlights/Overview of the South Island of Aotearoa/NZ

“When you only have a week, and no way to plan your own journey, and enough money, THIS IS THE TRIP. I still have trouble believing Active Adventures could put so many different activities (hiking, kayaking, cycling, airplane flight, overnight cruise, jet boat) in so many different locations in one week. The small-sized group was great (we avoided booking a guided trip with a different company that had "only 50 others" - yikes!) 7 of us and 2 guides. This meant a nice-sized vehicle rather than a touring coach, and good interactions. The guides were young Kiwis who clearly love their country, and have learned much about it. The emphasis was on seeing the land, the water, the wildlife, and learning a bit about native Maori culture rather than on plush accommodations and 5-star dining. That said, the hotels/motels were more than adequate, and they are places to which we'll return if we ever get the chance. It was pricey, but we'd never have been able to do this ourselves, and we had a BLAST. And now we know where we want to go back and go more slowly.”

Julie Peyton – Oregon, United StatesMay 2018

Tui March 2018 - Amazing trip!

“This was the trip of a lifetime! I saw so many beautiful sites, enjoyed the company of a great group of people, and had the opportunity to experience some things I never thought I would. Everyone at Active Adventures did a wonderful job of making sure questions were answered and all details were sorted. Liana and Simon were excellent guides who made sure everything we needed was taken care of while at the same time being fun, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about everything New Zealand had to offer!”

Theresa Pastoria – Michigan, United StatesApril 2018

Tui Trip

“This trip was wonderful, enjoyed every minute and it was so well organized. Our guides were the best.”

Don Walker – Colorado, United StatesApril 2018

Tui Trip Review

“Our Tui trip was fantastic. A great group of travelers from age 19 to 70 ish.
James and Carrie, our guides, could not have been better, as they shared their knowledge and stories of New Zealand. We enjoyed their good humor and enthusiastic leadership. When some bad weather interfered with the daily plan, headquarters and our guides did a great job in providing for our comfort, safety, and finding a way to enjoy our day. This 8 day trip provides a great introduction to the beauty of the South Island.”

Paul Tichenor – Michigan, United StatesApril 2018

Mother Daughter Trip to New Zealand - Tui Trip March 2018

“I can't tell you how fantastic this trip was for my 21yo daughter and I. I had done a lot of homework on this trip and couldn't imagine doing it any other way than with Active Adventures.
The guides made our trip. They were enthusiastic and attentive every minute!!
Our accommodations were clean and comfortable. Our excursions were well thought out and we even stopped along the way for a daily added detour which was great.
I would recommend this to any who want to see and do a lot in the short amount of time we had.
Nice job Active Adventures!”

Kim Delamont – Colorado, United StatesApril 2018

Perfect Way to Pack South Island Awesomeness into 7 days!

“The title says it all. If you have a week to hit the highlights, this is the prefect trip. The route and sites selected were ALL amazing. The activities were accessible to a wide range of active abilities, and the guides were hands-down the best adventure guides I’ve had. Besides the incredible beauty the South Island offers at every turn, there were a few things that stood out for me that make Active Adventures the right choice. 1- Group size was perfect. 2- the logistics management of the guides. The guides are masters at anticipating your fun level and changing things up if needed (such a socked-in rain). 3- speaking of guides, they are knowledgeable, personable, and professional. They kept us on track and entertained. I can’t say enough about them! 4- Food and coffee is always flowing. I was always fed and prepped for activities with plenty of delicious New Zealand coffee stops. Also, much of the meals were made delicious and fresh by the guides! Active Adventures knows what they are doing, and it shows in the quality of their tours. Booking with them is a no-brainer! We’ll definitely be booking with them again.”

Melissa Reyes – Texas, United StatesApril 2018

South Island Could Not be Better

“We had a wonderful time on the South Island. The scenery, activities and accommodations were fantastic. It is truly a paradise, clean, sparsely populated. In addition, our guides were incredible. Knowledgeable, enthusiastic and a lot of fun!”

Bob Goeltz – Missouri, United StatesApril 2018

South Island is Utopia

“Well worth your money... Don't hesitate to go... the South Island is Utopia. Spectacular scenery everywhere, clean air, clean water, fresh food, variety of activities. I am 61 and had the time of my life on a jet boat, helicopter, 6-seater plane, sea-kayaking, biking. Slept in a hut, on a boat. Guides were fun, friendly, well-informed, responsible. Loved it and want to go back”

Geri Goeltz – Missouri, United StatesApril 2018

A Total Delight

“Everyone knows New Zealand will be gorgeous, but this trip was fabulous mostly because it was so well planned by Active Adventures, and so incredibly well led by our two guides, Katie and Astrid. They made everything seamless, positive and light, encouraging us in the tougher hikes all the while making endless arrangements and great food behind the scenes. They seriously upped the fun quotient. This knitted our group together and made us realize we were truly on the vacation of a lifetime.”

Paula Alvary – Massachusetts, United StatesApril 2018

A Great Adventure

“My expectations were exceeded by this 8 day “Tui” adventure. With great weather and interesting travelling companions, my husband and I had a fabulous time. Our guides/leaders/cooks, Katie and Astrid, kept us entertained, informed and well fed throughout the entire week. Congrats to Active Adventures for being committed to showing people from other countries just how beautiful the South Island of New Zealand is. This “Tui” trek was simply a trip of a lifetime for someone who grew up on the prairies in Canada and now lives in Toronto.”

Chris Conacher – Ontario, CanadaMarch 2018

Incredible Trip

“The Tui trip was absolutely incredible. I couldn't have imagined a better way to explore New Zealand's South Island. It was an 8 day whirlwind of adventure, and everything was impeccably coordinated. Simon and Liana took care of every detail, while making sure we all had a blast. The accomodations were unique, the food was plentiful, and the days were jam-packed with memorable activities. It was an unforgettable experience - thanks Active!”

Brittany Gibbons – Nevada, United StatesMarch 2018

Tui Adventure

“This trip was all I had hoped for and then some. I expected beautiful scenery and exciting activities, but I did not expect the personal touch from our guides. One of the group members mentioned chips and salsa... that night we had chips and salsa to go with our appetizers. They knew I love birds, so I was introduced to every bird possible - along with descriptions of the birds’ personalities and habits. There seemed to be no end to Dani and Emma’s knowledge about New Zealand and that made a huge impact on our trip! We all felt like family by the end of the week, and for a person traveling alone, that is a wonderful gift!”

Janet Slover – Texas, United StatesMarch 2018

How Will We Top This?!

“I was a bit anxious about our trip, since we've never gone on a guided tour before. But Katie and Astrid quickly put aside any worries. The trip was amazing and the scenery beautiful. Our guides were wonderful - they were competent, entertaining and fun. They have set the bar high for any future vacations - how will we top this?”

Monique Scharlotte – New Hampshire, United StatesMarch 2018

Just do it!

“If anyone is on the fence about going, just do it! It was a lot of fun.

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Nick Spears – Virginia, United StatesMarch 2018

Fun in the South

“What an amazing time we had with two wonderful, fun guides and another couple!!! We went to places and did things we would not have experienced if we had not been on the tour. We feel that our time on the tour gave us a great feel for what this amazing country has to offer. We want to come back!!!! Thank you, Ash and Tess for being the best of company!!!!”

Pam Moller – Queensland, AustraliaMarch 2018

Wonderful Trip with Great Friends.

“We had a group of 4 couples on the "Tui trip" and had a wonderful experience. The guides were fabulous and extremely knowledgable. They were at their best when the weather (Cyclone Gita) threw us a curveball. (That's a baseball term. Sorry you cricket lovers)!”

Bobby Upp – Louisiana, United StatesMarch 2018

Guided Trips are the Way to Go!

“I had been wanting to hike in New Zealand for some time, and finally had enough time off. Trying to figure out the hut system, what to see and how to get around seemed a bit overwhelming. Even moreso since I was traveling solo. Active looked to be a great way to travel without having to stress about the planning, travel, etc. Though I had never traveled like this before, I saw the places I wanted to travel to, and others I would have likely not have found alone. Everyone on the trip was pleasant and easy to talk to, friendly and, like me had a great time. Our guides, Katie and Astrid, really made the trip with their upbeat attitudes, informative revelations on everything we saw, continual answering to our sometimes badgering questions and always being ready to help out.”

Henry Shenk – Louisiana, United StatesMarch 2018

Best Ever!

“Trip of a Lifetime for sure! I’m still on a NZ High :-D))
Thanks to Nick B & Melissa for their knowlegde & Expertise experience, which made our trip successful & FUN! With their encouragement, I was able to challenge myself & push beyond what I thought my abilities were.......THANK YOU!!! Such a pleasure getting to know Nick & Mel, we were spoiled & enjoyed every minute of this adventure with them. Highly recommend Active Adventures NZ making dreams come TRUE!”

Wendy Woods – Montana, United StatesMarch 2018

Thanks

“Kim and Lauren were terrific guides.”

Dan McCool – Utah, United StatesMarch 2018

Tui Trip

“As seasoned travelers we know what makes a great trip. Our guides Nick and Mel were over the top with all aspects of the trip. From the minute of our pickup to our improvised departure, through cyclone Gita we never missed a beat. Wouldn’t change a thing. A true trip of a life time.”

Kelly Zeiler – Montana, United StatesMarch 2018

Stunningly Beautiful!

“Wow! That was a word we used so many times on our 'Tui' adventure. Every corner we turned or path we climbed led to a stunning view that left us feeling both energized and awed.”

Sharon Wiley – Ontario, CanadaMarch 2018

Great Trip

“This was a brilliant trip. Superb guides with great information about every place we went. Great pace with a good balance of medium and harder hiking. Highlights: information from guides during the trip; delicious and healthy food; spectacular views; great pace. Lowlights: I’m scratching to find lowlights; but due to the shorter duration of the trip and the number of areas that are visited; there is a lot of travel time. I don’t know how that can be reduced though.”

Justine van der Werf – Queensland, AustraliaMarch 2018

Amazing Trip!

“Really enjoyed the 'Tui' trip. Amazing guides. They were super knowledgeable and easy to get on with. Brilliant group of people and some memories of a lifetime created.”

Chris Schumacher – East sussex, United KingdomMarch 2018

Trip of a Lifetime

“Every day was a new adventure. The scenery and activities varied so much and it was the best way to see New Zealand in 8 days”

Jean Walker – Colorado, United StatesMarch 2018

Wonderful Overview of the South Island

“We really enjoyed all the variety on the trip and seeing a good portion of the South Island.”

JR Matthews – California, United StatesMarch 2018

Tui 1/28-2/4/18

“It was nice and a great pleasure to come to NZ. Office management and people were all so great! Thanks for all the wonderful memories!”

Alexander Stoimenow – , Korea, Republic of [South]February 2018

Wonderful Tui Trip!

“Jackie and Ash were awesome. They were fun, capable and kept us all going and well fed.
We couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable trip. Thank you very much for a wonderfully warm and welcoming New Zealand experience. The hike up to the glacial lake will never be forgotten. Corinne”

Corinne Laverty – California, United StatesFebruary 2018

First time in New Zealand

“It was a beautiful trip! We were in so many places and we had seen so many of the natural beauties of New Zealand in a short time.
Our guides were great, very professional, knowledgeable, easy going, accommodating and friendly
The trip covered a lot of activities for any level of fitness.
The plane ride, the jet boat ride, the nocturnal cruise in Milford Sound and the kayak experience and bike riding were all wonderful.
Thank you for the great experience!”

Carmen Cojanu – Colorado, United StatesFebruary 2018

Fabulous Trip!

“Great guides, great destinations - we felt safe, entertained and totally taken care of for the whole trip.”

Tom Schulman – California, United StatesFebruary 2018

It Was a Trip Full of Action!

“We really enjoyed this south island trip.
Both Dani and Maya are full of energy and appears to enjoy what they do!
Dani is very knowledgeable about the history of the area and people.
They are problem solvers and went out of their ways to accommodate this large group of travelers!”

Miao Zhao – Texas, United States of AmericaJanuary 2018

Tui Trip

“Excellent trip, very well run and great guides.”

Dana Weingardt – Illinois, United States of AmericaJanuary 2018

New Zealand - South Island

“Had a great vacation and our guides made it even more fun.”

Loretta Harland – Ohio, United States of AmericaJanuary 2018

Memorable Trip

“The Tui trip included a variety of activities and allowed us to see quite a bit of the South Island. The scenery was outstanding - it was everything we hoped for. The guides were fantastic. This is a trip we will be talked about for a long time to come.”

Mary Beth Sattler – Maryland, United States of AmericaJanuary 2018

Tui with Dani and Maya

“My Tui trip was an excellent "Active" adventure.. without Bill&Ted.
Dani and Maya showed up on the 12/25.. and their exuberance set the tone for the trip. Really, enjoyed myself on this guided tour. The itinerary was perfect, and gave us a great overview of the South Island. I wish I had done the helicopter ride to the Franz Josef glacier; if I had to do it again it would have been worth the fee. Loved the rain forest hotel stay there too.
Siberia Hut/Lake Crucible was an awesome hike.. enjoyed the bush plane flight into the valley - scary but fun. Tough climb up beside the falls, but the views were well worth it. Walking through the meadows towards the lake was amazing. Awe-inspiring views. Lake Crucible/Valley: tired from the climb, the view towards Lake Crucible drove you to move forward. Lake Crucible itself is pretty cool with its floating "glaciers" great hike. I Enjoyed the hike out as we headed for the valley and rivers. The jet boat ride was awesome - besides the thrills of the ride we got the extra "pop" of the views of the mountains. Meeting up as a group and then doing a bike ride in the afternoon added to the adventure. It was awesome going from an alpine environment to a social bike ride. It's amazing how the environments change so quickly, those 2 days are a workout but worth it.
The day off in Queenstown was good, allowed us to rest up but also time to get a feel of the resort culture and kiwi Hospitality of New Zealand.
The Milford Sound portion was amazing as we arrived during a heavy downpour to see the thousands of waterfalls produced by the rains. The views and splendor made you want to to stand in the rain to observe. Enjoyed the overnight stay on the boat, and the dinner. Next day we kayaked, it was my first time which was enjoyable. It is something that i will pursue as a hobby based on this experience.
I'd like to personally thank both Dani, and Maya. They were personable, fun, and kept the trip on track. Both had great personalities, and took care of us on both X-Mas Day, and NYE, much appreciated.
Based on my positive experience I would recommend the Tui Trip and Active Adventures to someone else.”

John Jones – Massachusetts, United StatesJanuary 2018

Trip of a life time

“My wife and I planned this trip with some friends to try something new and to maximize the experience of New Zealand. We spent 8 days hiking, biking, and kayaking through the South Island. Every day was action packed with something different to do. We got to try new things, test a few of our limits that we wouldn't have normally done, and learn a few things about local culture along the way. I can't say enough good things about our guides Ben and Liana. They were enthusiastic about everything we did and full of information. They helped us push limits and get the most out of the experiences we had. Everyone I've told about our trip has been wowed by the awesome things we got to see and do.”

Chris Busch – Pennsylvania, United StatesJanuary 2018

The Perfect Amount of Challenge!

“Flying into the Siberia Valley, hiking up to an alpine lake, sleeping in a back country hut, and jet boating back to civilization - all in a 36 hour period - means I earned bragging rights and street cred! Many thanks to our wonderful guides for their encouragement and knowledge. Truly a trip of a lifetime.”

Jennifer Wegryn – Ohio, United StatesJanuary 2018

“We really had a great time with your team. Your lead guide, James, was always accommodating and willing to go the extra mile for everyone. When we could not make one of our trips due to rain it was super impressive that you guys made a work-around and made it happen. It was a wonderful trip.”

Steve Henriques – Texas, United StatesJanuary 2018

An Unforgettable Adventures

“From kayaking to mountain biking to hiking and even skydiving!- Active Adventures let me do it all in just 8 days during the South Island Tui Trip. It was an amazing experience and I especially loved how everything was planned beforehand and taken care off. Traveling stress free is one of the best! Definitely would recommend to my friends!”

Nikitha Murugesan – Texas, United StatesJanuary 2018

Best trip ever!

“The Tui trip was well planned with two very cheerful and detail-oriented guides, Amanda and Alex! I enjoyed not only the spectacular post-card like views, but also the hospitality of Kiwi!”

Bingli Mo – California, United StatesJanuary 2018

A Great Trip

“We had a blast. Even when the weather didn't work in our favor our guides made it possible to do about everything we wanted to do. Franz Joseph Glacier was a once in a lifetime experience, exploring all the ice caves. The Siberia Wilderness was absolutely amazing. Loved the scenic flight. And Milford Sound cruise and sea kayak made it feel like we experienced the sound from so many different perspectives. Also, added bonus, we saw dolphins, seals, and a whale!!! We got to do so much in the week that we had. And our guides were great and knew a lot about the places we visited. It was fun to learn about New Zealand from the locals.”

Liz Monson – Hawaii, United StatesJanuary 2018

Wonderful introduction to the South Island

“Based on the trip itinerary and description, I assumed this would be a fantastic introduction to the South Island. And, it was. What I did not expect were two of the best guides I have ever had on a planned adventure trip. They made adventure absolutely wonderful.”

Roy Breyfogle – Colorado, United StatesJanuary 2018

Sweet as

“I really don't know how our trip could have been any better! We must have won the guide lottery to get Amanda and Alex on our trip. They were a lot of fun to be with, knowledgeable in all things New Zealand, and just did an amazing job running the trip. We loved each stop and activity on the Tui itinerary and feel like we got to see some of the best the South Island had to offer. My son and I had been looking forward to this trip for a very long time and it definitely lived up to our expectations. The only regret is that we couldn't stay longer!”

Rick Wells – Arkansas, United StatesJanuary 2018

“Amanda and Alex made our trip special. An adventure trip is only as good as the guides. I have done a few bicycle trips, etc., but Amanda and Alex are the "Best Guides Ever." Inside joke.”

Treena Breyfogle – Hawaii, United StatesDecember 2017

Majestic South Island

“This tramping trip fed me body and soul! ”

Michael Smith – Maryland, United StatesDecember 2017

Best way to see New Zealand

“My husband and I spent our honeymoon in New Zealand for several weeks, the middle part of which we spent with Active Adventures. Being shown New Zealand by local people was by far the best way to travel. Our guides were absolutely amazing and were able to create a trip that best suited everyone. We were able to go places that would have been otherwise impossible for my husband and I to plan on our own. From staying in small towns that we wouldn't have heard about otherwise and being flown into isolated valleys to spend a few days, it felt like we were being shown a different side of NZ. It was the trip of a lifetime. ”

Bridgette Van Sloun – New York, United StatesDecember 2017

Tui Trip Nov 2017

“My husband and I, along with two other friends, went on the 8 day Tui Trip in November of 2017. It was truly the trip of a lifetime. We spent additional time in NZ on our own, but the Tui Trip was the hands down highlight. This type of trip was our of our usual wheelhouse, typically preferring city based trips, but this may have changed our outlook forever! The day hike in Siberia Valley and night spent under the stars was a personal favorite. Ben and Liana were incredible guides. They made us feel at home immediately, and kept it fun and casual throughout. Our group was the perfect size. By the end of 8 days, it felt like we were leaving a new family behind. I would recommend this trip to anyone and everyone and would do it again in a heart beat! ”

Lindsay Busch – Pennsylvania, United StatesDecember 2017

Trip of a Lifetime!

“This was a trip I planned for years and it is easy to be disappointed when you have built it up so high in your mind, but, if anything, this trip was even better than I imagined. We must have been assigned the best guides in the company, because I cannot imagine the trip with anyone else in charge.”

Diane Nagel – Illinois, United StatesDecember 2017

Fantastic Trip

“This was certainly a trip of a lifetime. I believe doing these guided tours takes you off the beaten track, and shows you what NZ really has to offer. Our guides gave us great insight, helped us when we needed help, and let us explore when we wanted the freedom. They catered to everyone in our group, and really brought the group closer together.”

Greg Wright – Colorado, United StatesDecember 2017

South Island Adventure

“I cannot say enough about my Active Adventures Tui trip of the South Island of New Zealand. If you are looking for a tour that will take you to some of the most stunning natural settings the South Island has to offer, then book this trip. Be sure to cross the rivers “kiwi style”, you will appreciate the bragging rights after the fact! Climb to Lake Crucible, it is a spectacular view and worth every sweaty step. Sleep in the mountain hut, it is a unique experience. As for our amazing guides, Katie and Eve, Active Adventures certainly made the right selection with these two; they made this trip unforgettable.

The Maori call New Zealand Aotearoa, land of the long white cloud. After taking this trip Aotearoa now has a special place in my heart and I cannot wait to return for another visit.
”

Tracey Walt – British Columbia, CanadaDecember 2017

Beautiful Trip Through Remote Corners of the Country

“Our Active Adventures 'Tui' tour on the South Island of New Zealand was wonderful. With the help of our exceptional guides and our new comrades we were able to see so many breathtakingly pristine natural wonders, and engage with them in such fun ways. The trip was fast paced and exciting. Highly recommended!”

Albert Kennis – Shizuoka-ken, JapanDecember 2017

Unbelievable weather!

“Our guides really made the trip! Katie and Eve were fantastic, and the South Island was so beautiful. I can't recommend the Tui trip enough.”

Katrina Linder – Pennsylvania, United StatesNovember 2017

Great Way To See The South Island In A Week

“The 'Tui' trip is a great way to see the key parts of the south island if you only have a week. I really feel like I saw the most important parts of the southern island and got a feel for New Zealand history and culture.”

Catherine Gioeli – New Jersey, United StatesNovember 2017

Amazing Tui Adventure!

“My husband and I were looking for a way to see the "outdoorsy" aspects of New Zealand but we only had a short chunk of time. Active Adventures was a perfect fit for us. The guides were amazing at showing us the ropes, teaching us some Kiwi culture, and helping us push our limits in all things active. We are already looking at some other options and can't wait to get back to New Zealand again soon!”

Elyssa Wright – Colorado, United StatesNovember 2017

Wow

“Super trip with enthusiastic, capable, knowledgeable, encouraging and fit Eve and Katie. Saw so much more with people who knew where to go- from the best views of the Franz Josef glacier, to what to buy in the small town of Hokitita. We felt a bit stretched "all hikes in New Zealand are uphill-that is where the views are, awed (stars are bright), well fed and excited. We could never have organized a small plane ride, grass field landing, wade across a glacier fed river, hike, and a jet boat out, in a town with a population of 70, and not listed in any guidebook. This was followed by a postcard perfect bike ride along the trail between two lakes-over multiple suspension bridges, then a cruise on Milford Sound where whale blow holes were spotted, seals cavorted and rare Fiordland penguins flapped on the shore. Still haven't culled down the over 800 pictures taken in a week. I appreciated the guides' ability to stay positive with different personalities in the group, to be sure all had the trip they wanted. We drove ourselves the week before - it was indeed more relaxing to be able to give this responsibility to someone else. If you are in reasonable shape, love being outside and enjoy national park type accommodations and food- you will have a blast on this trip.”

Cindy Heldt – Delaware, United StatesNovember 2017

Amazing Tui Trip

“We had an amazing time in New Zealand and enjoyed our Tui trip of the South Island! It was an excellent way to travel and see so many different places in one trip. Our guides, Eve and Katie, were great! They were extremely knowledgeable and very attentive to our needs, and always made sure we were well fed. We would definitely recommend the Tui trip to anyone traveling to New Zealand!”

Dana Pasini – Pennsylvania, United StatesNovember 2017

Amazing South Island Experience

“The Tue trip was everything I hoped for and much much more. NZ is the most beautiful place on earth and our guides Katie and Eve made the journey fun, safe, comfortable and easy! This is the only trip of this kind I have taken where I felt truly refreshed when I arrived back at my home. How Active consistently finds guides of this calibre and character is a mystery to me. Both of my trips with Active have been outstanding!”

Michael Orzen – Oregon, United StatesNovember 2017

Great Way to Experience the South Island

“This vacation was a great combination of active and pure sightseeing. Lots of good hikes and terrific landscape.”

Linda McKenzie – Ontario, CanadaNovember 2017

Could Not Have Asked For More

“Organization: Amazing. Pace: Active! Guides: A big TEN. Group: Really nice. Beauty of NZ: Obvious. I loved everything about the trip. No joke about the "get fit" recommendation. Nick and Tess are amazing guides, I need to start there. They made everyone feel special. Nick kept us laughing all the time. But they were also so encouraging when hikes were tough. I felt they really cared about us. I thought it was weird that so many reviews talked about the food being good until I was on the trip realizing that Tess was doing a lot of the cooking or organizing so yes, the food was great. Accommodations were so nice. I would recommend anyone thinking of doing the trip to stop thinking and sign up.”

Janet Pahima – Israel, IsraelNovember 2017

Wonderful Overview of the South Island

“Taking the Tui trip in early November was a fast paced way to see a huge amount of South Island. The itinerary was filled with challenging hikes that explored gorgeous rain forests and often led to breath taking views. The weather changes on a dime and I'm glad that I followed the suggested packing list because it got quite cold some days. One of my favorite things about this trip was the variety of activities. Yes, we did a lot of short walks and substantial hikes, but we also experienced a jet boat ride in the rain on a pristine river, a helicopter ride to the top of a glacier, a scenic flight and a bike ride along a crystal clear river that finished in the charming town of Wanaka. The highlight of the trip for me was the two days in Milford Sound. The area is magical with gushing waterfalls and massive tree covered mountains. I loved being on the boat over night after getting a taste of walking the Milford Track with the naturalist who explained the history as well as the flora and fauna of the area. The morning cruise to the Tasman Sea allowed us to see penguins, dolphins and sea lions. All of that was followed by a peaceful kayak trip and a hike up the "Divide" portion of the Routeburn Track. Our guides - James and Maddi - were outstanding. They were both super responsible and had great personalities. James was a focused driver and did a good job of keeping us organized and on time. Maddi provided for us as a chef and "Jill of all trades". Specifically, she went out of her way to make sure that I always had an ice pack for my bum knee. On that note, this trip keeps the participants moving, but the guides were usually able to adjust the activities to suit the needs of each individual. The bus was fairly comfortable with 15 passengers and I enjoyed the "Classic Road Trip" and "Reggae Classics" soundtrack. Sometimes if felt a little bit like summer camp for grown ups. In general the food was not what I would call gourmet, but it was fresh, wholesome and plentiful. I loved that the snacks on the bus were mainly fresh fruit and healthy snack bars.”

Jennifer Klein – California, United StatesNovember 2017

Wonderful Trip on the South Island!

“Our South Island adventure was wonderful! Katie and Astrid were great, taking care of everything we needed. It was so nice not to have to worry about anything the whole week. We saw beautiful scenery throughout the trip and we only had inclement weather one day. It’s hard to say what the highlight would be. Franz Josef Glacier? The plane ride into Siberia Valley and the hike out? The night spent on Milford Sound? So many amazing activities! We would totally recommend the Tui and our guides, Katie and Astrid.”

Dan Arnold – Colorado, United StatesNovember 2017

Great Active Honeymoon!

“What an awesome experience! We had such a great time with our TUI guides & Active Adventures group... just wish that we could have stayed more days together :-) The itinerary was full of variety, and well-organised; the scenes were amazing, breathtaking in their beauty. The Siberia Valley experience was just mind-blowing! The sheer amount of places to visit and activities to do was so impressive. Our guides James and Maya were really easy-going, friendly, and always with a smile on their faces; we really loved them! And were also lucky to have Evie, Leo, and Jennie as lovely fellow-travellers. Thanks guys for making our honeymoon unforgettable! We will certainly recommend this TUI trip to anyone planning on visiting New Zealand.

Erica & Alex, Italy”

Alexander Faes – Bolzano, ItalyNovember 2017

Rain or Shine

“The Tui trip was a great way to see some of the South Island through hiking, biking, and kayaking. If the weather is nice it just makes everything spectacular. If it's raining, the weather is balanced out by the fun interactions with fellow tour mates and guides, excellent food, and good accommodations.”

Jenny Martin – Alaska, United StatesNovember 2017

Kiwi Birds Do Exist!

“Our 8 day Tui excursion on the South Island with Active Adventures literally was the trip of a lifetime. We absolutely fell in love with New Zealand. Our guides were fantastic! They chauffeured us all over the countryside, led us up and down trails and mountains, fed us like royalty, and treated us like family. I can't say enough great things about our experience. Needless to say, we highly recommend this company. Go with these people if you want to see the country the right way - by foot, by bike, by air, and by sea. It's mind-boggling how much we did in just over a week. Oh and we also managed to see the elusive yet real Kiwi birds in one of the preservation centers - what a treat. All I can say is - Sweet As!!!!”

Ken Houghton – South Carolina, United StatesNovember 2017

Tui October 2017

“Just returned from a Tui trip last month and it was AWESOME! Our fantastic guides, James and Maya, took care of everything to make our trip comfortable, safe, and tasty (Maya's pavlova was delicious!). They encouraged this 59 year old novice hiker up and down the mountains, and were so much fun to be around. We really enjoyed talking with these two and hearing about life in NZ. When our camera didn't work, James stepped in and took a bunch of excellent pictures for us which he promptly shared.
With Active Adventures, it's all of the fine details that make them an exemplary company to deal with: from the friendly office staff who provide thorough preparation information, travel assistance, helpful advice about anything and everything I asked, to the trip itself with great guides who took us through the week with every detail taken care of, and, of course, the most amazing scenery. New Zealand is truly one of the most beautiful places we have been. Getting to know and enjoy our fellow Tui adventurers, Alexander and Erica from Italy and Jennie from Alaska, made the trip even better.”

Evie Jaskoski – Arizona, United StatesNovember 2017

Had a Great Time, and Made New Friends

“Had a great time, Jordie and Ash were great hosts and guides. Also met some new friends from Canada who we are still in touch with! Great experience all around.”

Matt Wilson – Oregon, United StatesJuly 2017

Flawless!

“The Tui trip from Active Adventures was absolutely fantastic! Every detail was so well planned and executed. The places we visited were gorgeous, and each new day seemed even more beautiful than the prior. Our guides truly made the trip memorable....I don't see how Kim and Ken could have given us a more awesome experience. Thank you AA! ”

Bonnie Finley – Ohio, United StatesJuly 2017

Outstanding Adventure Vacation

“Our Active Adventures trip was outstanding! The entire process was a tremendous experience. Staff were responsive and friendly during the "sign up" phase. Our guides Jordie and Holly are two of the finest professional, friendly and knowledgeable guides we've had the pleasure to work with. Shout out for both of these wonderful people! They did a marvelous job managing group dynamics to ensure everyone was motivated and individual needs were met. Well trained and both have mastered the skillful art of quality customer service. Keep up the good work!”

Lilly Golden – Texas, United StatesJuly 2017

You're Never too Old to Try Something New!

“I had a wonderful holiday. Better than I expected. More Aussies should do this trip. Best experience kayaking on Milford Sound, lovely sunny day, no wind and water like glass. Amazing. Enjoyed all my hikes but learning how to mountain bike ride and enjoy it was also great.”

Kristen Wiltshire – New South Wales, AustraliaJune 2017

Great trip with fantastic guides

“I typically do not travel with group tours, but I found myself with a ticket to NZ but no time to plan my solo trip. I booked rather last minute but have no regrets. Our guides were not only very knowledgeable, but were also fun and caring. The accommodations varied greatly but were always clean and comfortable. The food was delicious as well. I would book another trip with Active in a heartbeat!”

Kathleen Huff – Virginia, United StatesMay 2017

Tui May 1, 2017

“Trip of a lifetime. The guides were outstanding, accommodations were excellent. Great food... we even had a picnic!”

Donna Diaz – Pennsylvania, United StatesMay 2017

Our Kiwi Special Holiday

“This was a very well planned, organised and delivered holiday experience. The guides were excellent; they were both great individuals who clearly loved their job and made our family holiday such a memorable experience. The South Island is a magic place. Thank you Active for your efforts. ”

Paul Spencer – New South Wales, AustraliaMay 2017

Sit Back and Relax!

“This trip was pretty awesome. The guides were personable while being professional and they were organized and knowledgable. It was nice to relax and let all the planning and coordination be done by someone else.”

Lynn Biehl – Colorado, United StatesMay 2017

Active Adventure Indeed

“It was a great trip with just enough activities to keep it interesting and challenging. Koru provided good insights on locations, while Tess took care of all our needs. The group was small enough to feel like family and we bonded well during the trip. I highly recommend this trip to anyone that likes to stay active during vacation.”

Steve Yates – Texas, United StatesMay 2017

Exceeded my expectations

“Everyone said it'll be a trip of a lifetime, and it really was. Our guides Jordie and Holly were excellent, and Holly was an amazing cook! I was a single traveller and the rest of the group was made up of some wonderful individuals from all age groups and walks of life. Would highly recommend to anyone who is hesitant like I was, go for it! You won't regret it.”

Lauren Purdie – Tennessee, United StatesMay 2017

Tui Trip

“The Tui tour was the best trip I've ever had, all the group was great and very friendly, there was a very good feeling with all the group. It was so great to see all the nice places that you have in NZ, the tour passed so fast that I would love to do another one with you guys! And what about the super guides that we had - Jordy and Holly! They are the best ever, I would like to thank them again so much for the great time we had with them, I'm ready to do more! Holly next time we'll do the swimming race in the lake? Thanks a lot again, Ia orana from Tahiti.”

Peva Levy – tahiti teahupoo, French PolynesiaMay 2017

Horizons Broadened

“We normally take two hiking/walking holidays a year but really enjoyed the variety of activity on this tour. We were challenged to do things we'd never done before and it was great fun. ”

Nat na Songkhla – Bangkok, ThailandMay 2017

A most excellent adventure..

“The Tui experience is active and adventurous, exactly as described. From scaling summits to kayaking in the Milford Sound and many long and shorter hikes in between. Our excellent guides took the group to remote places, encouraged and supported us as we did some easier and then really challenging hikes, giving ongoing commentary on the history and culture of New Zealand and cooking delicious meals along the way, the final feast was an absolute treat. The groups are small which makes for a really personal experience, our group got on so well as one of us said ‘it feels like family’ at the end of the trip. The most memorable experience for me in a stream of stunning memories was the drive to the Milford Sound in the setting sun, one of the great road trips of the world. The trip is meticulously organised and you get ongoing emails to support what you need to bring and what to expect. Highly recommended, it was the trip of a lifetime.”

Alison Daun – Australian Capital Territory, AustraliaApril 2017

“Awesome trip. The staff was great to work with. Very accommodating to a last minute change in our trip plans. Our guides were fun, encouraging and adapted well to our needs. Meals were delicious and well organized. Our lodgings were excellent.”

Nancy Nagle – Minnesota, United StatesApril 2017

Fun Trip

“I very much enjoyed the Active Adventures Tui trip. The guides were phenomenal and very knowledgeable about the sites in New Zealand. We saw many beautiful places and I enjoyed the activities that were planned. ”

Lenore Ma – New York, United StatesApril 2017

Wonderful Choice!

“A trip to New Zealand was on my "bucket list" and my husband chose this trip for the south island. I think this is a wonderful way to see the outstanding scenery of the south island. We will be back!”

Lissa Jackson – Tennessee, United StatesApril 2017

Magical South Island Trip

“This was a truly amazing trip from start to finish! Scenery, activities, accommodations, tour group and food were all outstanding! What made it really shine were our guides: Tess and Koru. Their knowledge, guidance, friendship and obvious passion about New Zealand made this trip stand out. We would highly recommend this trip,
Tom and Sallie.”

Thomas Suby-Long – Colorado, United StatesApril 2017

Amazing Tui trip - March 2017

“When our daughter decided to go on foreign study to Auckland, my wife and I had a perfect excuse to visit New Zealand. We like active vacations with small groups, so I was intrigued by the Active Adventures tours. We signed up for the Tui tour and the second half of the Kauri tour and added a few days to visit with our daughter. This was an amazing trip that we thoroughly enjoyed. Every day was a new adventure with spectacular scenery. We really liked the mix of activities (hiking, biking, sea kayaking, scenic flight, and jet boat). Our favorite day included the scenic flight up to Siberia Valley, a beautiful hike, and then the jet boat ride back to Makarora. Ken and Kim were excellent guides and cooks. I look forward to our next Active Adventures tour. ”

Tom Smith – Maryland, United StatesApril 2017

Absolutely amazing!

“My husband and I did this trip to celebrate our 10-year anniversary and we couldn't have asked for a better vacation. The hikes were fun and challenging (in a good way!); the views were spectacular everywhere we went; and Ken and Kim (our guides) made the trip perfect. They were super knowledgeable and friendly and made everything fun. We felt like we got to see New Zealand in a unique way that you could never get with your standard tour group. We will definitely be looking at doing more tours with Active Adventures in the future!”

Laura Pape – Virginia, United StatesApril 2017

Best vacation yet!

“When my wife and I started talking about how we wanted to celebrate our 10 year anniversary we started to think big. We had come across pictures of New Zealand. We started looking at Lord of the Rings Tours but they seemed to focus more seeing the studios or showing up at a photo stop. We wanted something more adventurous. After searching online for awhile we found the Active Adventures site. Fast forward a year and we were landing in Christchurch getting ready to kick off the tour! We both had high expectations for the trip, and man did it deliver!
It seemed like every day we got to see scenery that took our breath away. We loved the physical activity, the sense of accomplishment every day ”

David Pape – Virginia, United StatesApril 2017

Active

“The trip was the best trip ever! The guides were wonderful and the sites were breathtaking. We were on the South Island, which is amazing! We were able to take a small plane into the Siberian Valley, which was an adventure in itself. Our group was small (8), which was really great. We all got along really well.”

Terri Lundy – Oregon, United StatesApril 2017

Tui Trip-March 2017

“I cannot say enough positive things about how wonderful and seamless this trip was from start to finish! The timing for every piece of our journey was impeccable, and I could tell Active Adventures has honed their craft well! We have recommended this to many of our friends and family, as this was a trip of a lifetime for me and my husband!
David and Tonya Ward
Colorado USA”

Tonya Loveday-Ward – Colorado, United StatesApril 2017

A Great Eight Days

“My wife, Shanen, and I had a goal of running a marathon on all seven continents and our seventh took place on March 18, in Rotorua, NZ. So two days after completing our goal, we returned to Christchurch and met up with our guides, Hillary and Dan, along with our fellow travelers. As good fortune would have it we all clicked as a group and off we went.

For the remainder of our journey it was clear that both Hillary and Dan took great joy in what they do. Furthermore, and of great importance to us, they ensured meals had met our vegetarian and vegan needs. We were never made to feel our dietary needs were inconvenient to them and they were handled in such a way that all of us were able to enjoy our group meals.

The actual adventure was well planned out and the expectations of each day were always explained. Our group was one that started together, made sure all finished and enjoyed the adventure.

”

John Edmundson – Arizona, United StatesApril 2017

Awesome Challenge

“The TUI trip provided a wide-range of outdoor activities in an unbelievable setting on the South Island. Liked the mix of hiking, biking, kayaking and overall area knowledge provided by the guides.”

Bruce Van Der Kamp – Colorado, United StatesApril 2017

Amazing Trip!

“All the activities were well planned, fun & a bit challenging! And the scenery was beautiful. Our guides were well prepared, and informative.”

Sally Van Der Kamp – Colorado, United StatesApril 2017

Unbelievable Vacation!

“What can I say! This was the best vacation we have ever taken as a family. I have been looking for a trip with activity, and I came to the right place. From the beginning, Greg and Tess made us feel right at home. The kids loved hiking and the incredible scenery. On our free day, our entire family went skydiving to complete our amazing trip. Experiences in life are so important to us and this is not one that will be forgotten. The photographers, Jacob and Hamish, were great as well. By the end of the trip, we truly felt like our family had grown by four! Thank you for everything and I would definitely recommend this trip to others!”

Ruth Grissom – Florida, United StatesMarch 2017

Outstanding Guides!

“I would like to extend kudos to our trip leader Ken. He was an inspiration to me. He encouraged me on hikes I was questioning myself about and gave me praise every step of the way. You are the BOMB Ken. Also, he is a very courteous driver. I felt very safe with him driving.”

Lynn Schiller – Minnesota, United StatesMarch 2017

Great Trip to NZ South Island

“Enjoyed the adventurous activities while touring the South Island. Good mix of hiking, biking, kayaking, river crossing, and site seeing. Hiking difficulty and distances were just right, and guides were knowledgeable and fun. Good way to travel with a group. ”

Joe Bahr – Florida, United StatesMarch 2017

Late Summer West Coast South Island NZ

“Combination of great weather, great guide skills, great scenery and great companionship make this an active but not exhaustive adventure.”

Tui February 2017

McKinnon's NZ Active Adventure 2017

“For us there were two things going on here. Mainly it was a time when we could be together as a family again; and then secondly it enabled us to experience a part of NZ that I was somewhat familiar with in my early 20's.
The trip exceeded expectations, and is something we'll remember positively forever. Most importantly, I think, the trip helped us all reconnect as a family.”

Graeme McKinnon – Wisconsin, United StatesMarch 2017

Feb 19-26 Active Adventures TUI trip

“Really had a fantastic 8 day TUI trip to the South Island led by Joe and Steve of Active Adventures. Great way to experience New Zealand for the first time. Those two worked really hard to make the trip go smoothly from start to finish. Great music, great meals, amazing scenery, hiking, and conversation. Only problem was it all went too fast. I hope to get back to NZ someday soon. It was everything I hoped and more! ”

Doug Nagle – Minnesota, United StatesMarch 2017

Virgin Active Adventurist-When can I do it again?!

“Fabulous trip! Not having to drive, research stops, plan activities, arrange accommodations and decide what to eat made this so relaxing, letting us enjoy every minute of every activity and even the down time! I can't wait to sign up for another trip!”

Karen Basil – Minnesota, United StatesMarch 2017

trip of a lifetime

“This is the best trip I have ever been on, but be forwarned we covered 50 miles of hiking and 15 miles of mountain biking in the first 8 days. Mt Aspiring National Park and the hut in Siberia Valley is breathtaking, as well as the kayaking in Milford Sound. The guides were super cool and we all had a great time. Definitely check this trip out but be ready for it”

Chris McGlinchy – New Jersey, United StatesMarch 2017

Feb 12 2017 Tui with Greg and Melissa

“The weather slowed us down on the first couple of days. But after that it was an amazing experience. The views, the activities and the guides made it easy. Coordinating the activities, transportation, food, etc.”

Ross Gough – California, United StatesMarch 2017

Breathtaking Tui

“This was a great trip. The fact that New Zealand's South Island is a wonderful, breathtaking place may have made the guides' jobs easier, but both they and my fellow travellers made this a very enjoyable and memorable vacation.
In particular, the two days spent flying into, hiking through and up the Siberia Valley, the overnight stay and the hike and jet boat out made the trip a "must do". The wild, untouched, glorious beauty of it all is more than I can put into words. I have already recommended it to other friends planning to visit kiwi land.”

Miles Chaston – California, United StatesMarch 2017

Best day ever at Crucible Lake

“Many thanks to Steve (awesome guide) for this memorable experience. I loved every minute of it - a true adventure. I've fallen in love with the New Zealand 'hut' experience and the magical world this open you up to. ”

Pamela Rubidge – British Columbia, CanadaMarch 2017

Beautiful, perfect trip!

“The Tui trip was a perfect way to see parts of New Zealand on a short time frame. I was concerned traveling by myself, and this trip was the perfect way to do it. Between the the most spectacular scenery, the knowledge of the guides, and the varied and incredible itinerary, this really was the trip of a lifetime for me.”

Rosie Stein – New York, United StatesMarch 2017

It really was a trip of a lifetime.

“Everything about the trip itinerary and the staff was wonderful. Of course the scenery was amazing too. Amanda and Clara took wonderful care of us. I felt bad that my husband had refused to train in a manner that would have made him better prepared for the hiking task. Both Amanda and Clara were very patient with him. He was a trouper while he was there. With their encouragement he completed it all, just slowly. It worked out well that the four weaker hikers had time a when they could slow down for a morning later in the week. I wouldn't change anything about how you organize the tour. The bus was comfortable and the guides were great at getting all the tour-mates to converse and mesh. We all agreed at the end of the week what a personality compatible group of travelers we ended up being. I am glad Tim and I did not choose to stay at the Siberia Hut. We enjoyed our A-frame option with Amanda. I have already recommended your trip to other potential travelers. Thank you to Active Adventures, Amanda and Clara.”

Jan Pfannes – Michigan, United StatesMarch 2017

Tim big adventure

“First things first,

Amanda and Clara were the greatest. The trip extremely well organized. New Zealand's landscape is the most beautiful we have been to, ever. The food was good and plentiful. All the people we travelled with were fun to be around. I have to admit at 68 I thought I was in pretty good shape. This was a difficult trip physically. I did manage to finish all the hiking, biking, and kayaking. My wife did tell me to workout harder on the step master, should of listened.
Thanks for a great adventure.”

Tim Pfannes – Michigan, United StatesMarch 2017

Active trip yet relaxed and refreshing!

“My husband and I just finished the 8 day TUI trip in New Zealand and we had an absolutely wonderful time. We were a little worried that maybe we were getting a little "old" for this type of trip (husband is 63 and I'm 61), but we're healthy and in good shape and the staff assured us that we would be fine! And we were! It was very challenging, yet we never felt we could not complete or comfortably do anything. We had weather issues, rain and clouds, and even a dunking in Milford Sound when our kayak hit a rock, yet that made it all the more adventurous and memorable. We had always wanted to go to New Zealand and experience the great natural beauty there, and this trip allowed us to do that and so much more!
To start with, we had two great guides, Ken and Elder, and they were very friendly, helpful, kind, and always professional and they really took good care of us. I am so glad I did not have to drive those roads or navigate, and they always got us to our destinations safely and in time. We were kept in the loop of where we were going, when and why, and if there needed to be modifications due to weather, we were kept aware.
Secondly, we had a great group of travelers. Nine in all, and from all over the world! Folks ran the gamut of what they did and where they were from, however the one thing we all had in common was a love for the outdoors and adventure, so we all had similar goals and expectations. On the "free" day in Queenstown, everyone went out for a once in a lifetime experience-paragliding, sky diving, white water rafting, or a jet boat adventure. This was quite a lively and fun loving group, which made it all the more fun. I don't know anyone back home that would have done all these things with me. It was really nice to share these experiences with like minded folks.
And finally, the itinerary and the activities were all top notch. The hiking was challenging and beautiful, yet we could go at our own pace. The bike ride was absolutely stunning, and just "scary" enough to energize us, and then there were jet boats, small plane flights over gorgeous canyons and rivers, a backpack trip into Siberia hut, where the night sky was unlike anything I had ever seen! And the final Milford Sound kayak trip was phenomenal (even though yes we did turn over, but no worries-just got wet!). I know we could not have planned for all of these activities easily on our own, so the value of the tour for us had a lot to do with the activities and the ease in which we were able to participate.
So that is our trip in a nutshell. My husband and I were both refreshed and relaxed after this vacation, even though it was very active and we felt like we were not so "old" after all. And that feeling is priceless.
”

Stewart Shanfield – California, United StatesMarch 2017

Get in Shape for Sensational Views!

“This was the trip of a lifetime! We all read about how beautiful New Zealand is, but nothing compares to seeing it with your own two eyes. And up close on an Active Adventure is even better! But be prepared to be very active. This was a non-stop week of fantastic activity, with lots of hiking and some kayaking and biking in beautiful surroundings and a chance to catch your breath on scenic plane flights and jet boat rides. And don't miss the helicopter ride!”

Jeanne Brady – Massachusetts, United StatesMarch 2017

Terrific Tui!

“The Tui adventure was definitely a trip of a lifetime! New Zealand was on my bucket list, but I was overwhelmed trying to plan a trip. I have always planned our family vacations vs going on a guided tour... so I was very reluctant to spend the money. But it was so worth it! We were able to see and do more than we could have ever accomplished on our own. And it was stress free... we just had to show up. Loved it! Our guides, Andy & Jo, were amazing, informative and fun! My husband, 2 kids (recent college grads) and I also had some hesitation about travelling with a bunch of strangers. But we had such a fun group, we were like family by the end of the trip and the opportunity to get to know our fellow travellers just added to the experience. Now I'm dreaming of my next adventure!”

Cheri Nehl – Minnesota, United StatesMarch 2017

Bonzer trip to the South Island

“Thanks to Greg and Mel for a memorable exploration of New Zealand's South Island. Need to come back to enjoy the wonders of this place.”

Ted Jackson – Tennessee, United StatesMarch 2017

Tui in February

“I combined Kauri with Tui and it was the perfect blend to see both Islands in New Zealand. My Tui experience was terrific. It certainly was an active adventure!”

Andrea King – Connecticut, United StatesMarch 2017

Best adventure yet

“This by far ranked as one of the best adventure and time spent outdoors enjoying and experiencing nature at it finest. AA did a fabulous job planning every aspect of the trip and taking care of us without over managing our experience. Our two guides, Clara and Amanda are true pros that made the adventure truly enjoyable event at the risk of having to listen to my many jokes and riddles during our bus trips. I wish them the best.”

George Vanecek – California, United StatesMarch 2017

Tui Trip of a lifetime!

“This trip was an amazing adventure for our family of 6! Our guides, Michelle, Rachael and Liana were organized, knowledgable and fun. Every day was a new experience on the beautiful South Island... fly-in and camping in the Siberian Wilderness, sea kayaking in Milford Sound, waterfalls everywhere, and many laughs on the bus with family and new friends! Highly recommend this trip :) ”

Janet Lattof – Colorado, United StatesFebruary 2017

The best week!

“We cannot say enough positive things about our experience with Active! The booking process was super smooth and we were provided tons of info to make sure we were all prepared for the week. Our guides, Claire and Torrey were exceptionally friendly, knowledgeable, and organized. Every day was planned almost down to the minute, with back up plans in case of weather changes, etc. it was such a relief to have alll of the logistics accounted for (including several delicious meals) which ensured we were able to really enjoy our trip and get the most out of our time on the South Island. At the same time, the guides were super accommodating, with everything from diet-specific needs to being able to modify the activities to fit the wide range in interests and levels of fitness. Siberia Valley was the highlight for the group and we would highly recommend it! Overall, this really was the trip of a lifetime and it was mostly thanks to the knowledge, patience, planning, and stellar attitudes of our guides! Thanks ladies for a wonderful week!!”

Mike Moncrief – New Jersey, United StatesFebruary 2017

Fantastic trip!

“Amanda and Clara are amazing. They provided detailed information about the areas we visited, made sure everyone was safe and sound during our hiking, biking, and kayaking, made the trips between areas entertaining for all, and made sure we had great food the entire time. One of the best trips I've taken, and one I will remember forever.”

Jay Perry – California, United StatesFebruary 2017

Michelle Yezierski

“The Active Adventure Tui Trip was a trip of a lifetime. Great guides, amazing activities, excellent food and breath-taking views. I came home relaxed and smiling; telling anyone who will listen to go to New Zealand that they won't regret it. Thank you Tori and Claire for a great experience and the Active Adventure staff in Queenstown who helped with the booking.”

Michelle Yezierski – Virginia, United StatesFebruary 2017

Active adventures it surely was!

“Everything about this trip was awesome! from each place we stayed, to each area we hiked, biked and kayaked... every meal with Claire and Tory too. it surely was a wild adventure and couldn't imagine a better time! thank you.”

Kerry Dwyer – New Jersey, United StatesFebruary 2017

Great trip in a beautiful country!

“The Tui trip was an excellent way to experience the wonders of New Zealand. The scenery was spectacular and every day of the trip was filled with beauty and adventure. Clara and Amanda did an outstanding job taking care of us and assuring that each person was fully participating to the best of his or her ability.”

Bob Kelly – New York, United StatesFebruary 2017

Great trip!!

“We had a wonderful time on this trip. The days were full and our guides Amanda and Clara were amazing. ”

Molly Kelly – New York, United StatesFebruary 2017

Great trip, Great guides

“As a way to get 'unwired' from work, we scheduled the Tui trip. It was the first group adventure trip we had ever done. It was fantastic. Great group, great guides and great adventures. After a couple of hikes in the Southern Alps, we split from the group opting for the Siberian hut trip with a fly in and hike out. A challenging hike up to Crucible Lake and return to a "home-cooked" hearty meal. We met up with the group the next day after a 2 hour hike out and jet boat ride down the Wilkin river to pick up bicycles and cycle along the beautiful Hawea River Trail. Allowing for a day of 'rest' we set our sights on sea kayaking in Milford Sound. One spectacular experience after another was hard to process. Nothing was unspectacular. From the guides, to the trips, to the meals, to the accommodations, everything exceeded our expectations. New Zealand is awesome and Active Adventures allowed us to experience the best of it.”

Kris Schlenker – California, United StatesFebruary 2017

Amanda and Clara

“Amanda was totally amazing. Clara was not only a great guide but a fabulous chef. Challenging in ways I never expected. Siberia Valley plane trip, river crossing, hike out and jet boat trip was awesome and very well organized!”

Chris Lodge – California, United StatesFebruary 2017

Simply amazing

“Loved every moment of the trip, and would do it all again in a heartbeat!”

Goranka Bjedov – California, United StatesFebruary 2017

Tui experience

“This trip provided a good balance of activities with the necessary travel time to access the different parts of the South Island. The trip was well organized, and the guides were super. They accommodated our individual desires and capabilities, as well as being good cooks, leaders, and knowledgeable guides. Our group quickly melded into collegial and interesting companions, and that make the experience that much better. The itinerary provides a taste all that the South Island offers. I'm happy to have chosen this company to tour with. ”

Gary Ezzell – Arizona, United StatesFebruary 2017

Tui Trip

“In one word, this trip was FANTASTIC! We had Dani and Mel as our guides, and they helped us and looked out for us every step of the way. I am vegetarian, and they took that into account for every meal and there were no issues at all. They always put us first and made sure we were prepared and enjoying every aspect of the tour. I loved the intensity of the activities and hikes; we did not feel rushed at any point. We were able to take our time. Great memories that we will never forget!”

Dipa Shah – Illinois, United StatesFebruary 2017

The Great Adventure

“The organization of the trip regarding schedule hikes and driving was well conceived and executed. Long drives where always broken up with hikes in between or visiting small towns for a stretch of the legs. The hikes provided spectacular beauty and on occasional days an excellent physical challenge that everyone loved! The trip also sprinkled in fun adventures of helicopter, small prop plane, river jet boat, and bike rides. A well timed day of rest and adventure on your own in Queenstown allowed trippers to bungee jump, swing, zipline, or just chill in this hip town. ”

Great trip,Great Time!

Birthday we'll never forget

“We expected a great trip with where we were going, BUT Active Adventures guides (Michele and Rachael) made it that much more special. Their knowledge, expertise and storytelling abilities made it fun and engaging. Accommodations were better than anticipated, they were great.
An absolute must for those thinking about this type of a trip.
”

Liz Clapp – California, United StatesFebruary 2017

Great time, great guides

“Had so much fun with Dani and Mel as our guides. They did such a great job for us. Loved each varied part of the trip. Day 2 hike at Franz Josef was a bit hard for a first major hike. Loved Siberia valley. Loved Milford sound. Trip overall was excellent. Would definitely highly recommend.”

Christian Den Ouden – Illinois, United StatesFebruary 2017

The only way to "do" the south island

“What a great trip! There is no way we could have seen or done half as much on our own. The sights were amazing, rain or shine. The hiking was a mix of easy and tough. Food was great. The accommodations were top of the line and such a welcome retreat after an active day. We had a really lovely, interesting, and inclusive group. Kim did a fantastic job driving the winding mountainous roads. It only took a day to learn to look at what Tess is wearing...if she takes a layer off, you should too! Wonderful trip, so glad we went with Active!”

Brianna Frear – Wisconsin, United StatesFebruary 2017

Graduation gift of a lifetime

“As a recent college graduate, the one thing I wanted to do was travel. I was completely unfamiliar with New Zealand, and my parents wanted to ensure I was safe and could know where I was going each day. Active Adventures was a great way to have the time of my life while being safe. Our group ranged in activity levels, but Andy and Jo made sure we all were comfortable while encouraging us every step of the way. From my initial call with the Active team, to booking, and eventually the trip, I did not have a single problem and had the experience of a lifetime! Thanks Mom and Dad, and thank you Active Adventures! ”

Sara Elwell – Pennsylvania, United StatesFebruary 2017

My biggest best trip ever

“Endless physical activities, super nice guides and a friendly small group made for the best ever trip (so far :)). ”

Jason Willett – Minnesota, United StatesJanuary 2017

Tui Trip Rocks!

“I've never purchased a trip because of my personal reasons and that I can do this on my own. Wow was I mistaken! If anyone has second thoughts about the Tui trip please don't, it was an adventure I will never forget. A very big thank you to our guides Claire and Racheal as well as the team at Active Adventures. ”

Ruth Milan – Washington, United StatesJanuary 2017

Amazing! Such an incredible experience

“From the moment we arrived as a group, we felt included and taken care of. The staff are highly attentive and organized and maintained a great deal of professionalism throughout the trip. We visited amazing locations and felt like we had a good sense of the South Island. Every detail, logistic and meal was taken care of, making it very enjoyable. They varied our activities throughout the day, from hiking and biking, to kayaking. We created great friendships with the other participants and were very sad to leave at the end of the trip. I cannot wait to go on another trip with Active Adventures and have already recommended them to a wide variety of people! ”

Kat Fischer – New York, United StatesJanuary 2017

Amazing Honeymoon Experience

“We decided to travel around NZ with Active Adventures for our honeymoon. What an incredible decision! All the logistics were taken care of for us, so we didn't have to worry about any of it while we were focusing on planning the wedding. The staff were terrific....excellent tour guides and went above and beyond for us. New Zealand itself is such a gorgeous place and was a great place to kick off married life. Active Adventures really does it right and the group sizes (max 14) are perfect. We had an amazing experience and plan to travel with Active Adventures again on our next adventure!”

Crista Cohen – Colorado, United StatesJanuary 2017

Fantastic trip

“This was a great family vacation. The hiking, biking, and kayaking were awesome! We are an athletic family and it was just the right amount to keep everyone excited and wanting more. Nick and Hillary were terrific leaders and always up for activity and educating us on NZ. Thanks for a great trip.”

Jan Garfinkle – Michigan, United StatesJanuary 2017

2017's first Tui trip

“The Tui trip exceeded my (high) expectations - it was a trip of a lifetime! Spectacular scenery, beautiful hikes, friendly trip-mates and superb guides - and generally some great weather to boot!”

Peter Greulich – Illinois, United StatesJanuary 2017

Super experience.

“Great guides in Andy and Jo and we were lucky to have exceptional traveling partners in our group.”

Jim Nehl – Minnesota, United StatesJanuary 2017

This trip will make you want to come back

“This was a wonderful trip led by Michelle and Rachael. As a single traveller, the group size was ideal so I didn't feel overwhelmed by the couples and family groups.
Quite simply this trip gives a superb overview of the South Island taking in some of the key sights of the area.... to the point where it just makes you want to come back. The pace and variety of the trip was set at the right level to suit everyone, including the option to have a lesser climb on the overnight section. The accommodation and the meals provided by Active were extremely good, and some of the settings were breathtaking. Quite simply the camera did not do the scenery justice and I can't wait to come back and explore some more of the country.”

Sue Cole – Middlesex, United KingdomJanuary 2017

Outstanding Place, Outstanding Guides

“We loved the way this brief tour showed us the full variety of NZ's South Island, and our guides knew how to take care of everything we wanted. They made it all look effortless, too.”

Keith Rhodes – Nebraska, United StatesJanuary 2017

Can't wait to come back!

“Ever since I arrived back home I wake up thinking about NZ and our Tui trip! It was exactly what I had hoped it would be like and better! Better because not just the scenery and activities were amazing, but because of the people. Our guides Claire and Rachael took incredible care of us, (down to how we liked our tea and coffee) were fun to be around, really knew their stuff, and were total
professionals! We can't wait to come back!!!
”

Pam Cruse – Colorado, United StatesJanuary 2017

Best trip ever!

“I went on this trip as a solo female traveler & am incredibly glad I did! The guides couldn't have been more informative of the kiwi culture and our group was perfect. Every activity was extremely organized. Highly suggest this trip for anyone only having 8 days to explore the South Island!”

Starla Terry – Texas, United StatesJanuary 2017

Tui Trip 2017

“How could this have been any better? Can't think of any way. Our guides were extraordinary and handled every request or complication with ease and grace. The weather can be tricky, making this somewhat challenging, but you'd never know that from how they acted with the group. They always had options up their sleeves. Every day was some new adventure. Some challenging, some not. Always choices if things were too challenging. We plan on coming back for another trip as soon as we can.”

Larry Noe – North Carolina, United StatesJanuary 2017

Awesome

“The South Island of New Zealand is incredible - the scenery is beyond description. The Tui trip provided us with a variety of activities and nature. Thanks for an unforgettable experience.”

Barb Miller – California, United StatesJanuary 2017

Great treks

“We went as a family of five and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!
The scenery was even better than you might imagine from gallery photos.
The hikes were variable, some challenging and others easier but never felt pressured to do anything uncomfortable. The guides, Hiliary and Nick were fantastic.
Highly recommended as a family trip for the adventurers.”

Mike O'Donnell – Michigan, United StatesJanuary 2017

Professionalism and Exceptionalism Beyond Expectations!

“Our recent Tui trip of the South Island was absolutely the trip of a lifetime and more than I could have ever hoped for! As a very seasoned, frugal, independent, tour-averse traveller, signing up and spending the money for this trip was a bit out of character for me. However, that being said, this was probably the best travel investment I have ever made in my life! We packed so many amazing adventures into eight days, with the kindest most knowledgeable and most professional guides ever, that I seriously doubt I could have recreated it on my own. I cannot recommend Active Adventures and our guides Claire and Rachael highly enough and am already looking forward to and planning my next adventure this year with them!”

Chris Gan – Washington, United StatesJanuary 2017

Amazing!!

“An extraordinary trip. So well organized, amazing tour guides, with so many activities. A really lovely way to experience the South Island. Would highly recommend to anybody. ”

Abida Dhukai – Ontario, CanadaJanuary 2017

Tui Trip

“Colin and I had a great time. Even though the guide is our daughter it is accurate and fair to say she has was really great. Very accommodating, friendly and skill full as well as being a great cook. Nothing fazed her. A very 'can do' attitude which everyone appreciated. The trip itself was great fun and the weather helped with that. The kayaking team was very good and I trusted their judgement. The walks were perfect for anyone. A very good all around experience.”

Cheri Crosby – , New ZealandJanuary 2017

“What a fabulous trip this was! I have traveled extensively throughout the world and often avoid tours because I don't want to be too regimented and I don't want to be on a bus with 40 people! When we decided to go to New Zealand, our goal was to try to experience it rather than just see it and that is just what Active Adventures allowed us to do. The guides know their country well and truly shared it with us. Each day we were out tramping somewhere, rain or shine, but there was always an option to take it easy if one needed to do so. We loved the small size of the group, 11 of us, plus our two guides. They ran each day efficiently and were well-prepared for our meals. We had fresh wholesome snacks always available and all kinds of tips on how to do the hike of the day. Koru was especially knowledgeable about the Maori heritage of New Zealand and was constantly teaching us about the flora and fauna of the country. Liana and Koru both were working late and getting up early to make sure that our day went well. Even when the weather didn't cooperate, there was always another great alternative. They introduced us to the beauty and wonder of New Zealand and when the trip ended, we were excited to head out on our own, with the skills we needed to continue to discover and experience even more! It truly was a trip of a lifetime! ”

The deep South

Terrific Tui

“What a great route and selection of activities! Informative and fun guides, well-managed accommodations, and good eats! A wonderful tour and experience.”

Matthew Gonser – Hawaii, United StatesJanuary 2017

Perfect amount of adventure

“From gazing upon Franz Josef Glacier to biking along Hawea Lake Trail, to gliding on calm waters in Milford Sound, it's been a most memorable adventure! Our guides Tess and Amanda were a great duo! I loved that it was just enough activity without being sore while still being able to see so much of South Island. ”

Grace Zheng – Hawaii, United StatesJanuary 2017

Everything went perfectly for us!

“All the excursions were essential to understanding the South Island. Our guides were great! They made us feel comfortable and capable. All the adventures we tackled were exciting and challenging. We were able to complete them all! The provided food was good. The bus we rode in was new and nice. The rooms we stayed at were great. Having wifi at the accommodations was appreciated. In short, the Tui trip was amazing!”

Danyel Goddard – Florida, United StatesDecember 2016

Amazing Experience, enhanced by an remarkable AA Staff

“It was great doing it with a group of people who enjoyed it like we did.
The two guides from Active Adventures made the whole thing excellent: perfectly organized, highly entertaining.
The small group of 10 people, like minded with respect to nature and adventure, worked out well.
The nights were spent in above-expectation locales. Those were welcome comforts after amazing hikes in the rain.”

JP Abgrall – California, United StatesDecember 2016

Ran out of adjectives to describe the wonder of this trip

“Awesome, spectacular, amazing, jaw-dropping... just a wonderful vacation. The intinery was everything we'd hoped for and more. The guides were perfect ambassadors for New Zealand and Active Adventures. The country - truly one of the most special places on earth. If you're into the outdoors, make this pilgrimage. ”

Matt Brown – Florida, United StatesDecember 2016

The trip of a lifetime!

“Amanda and Clara made the trip five stars! Clara loves ball sports! I wish I could travel every year with these two beautiful ladies. Thanks for making our trip so special.”

Diana Rauchwarger – Florida, United StatesDecember 2016

Exceeding expectations and more!

“We had been planning this trip for about a year and I had been dreaming about this trip for about 7 years, therefore the expectations were high. Active Adventures did an excellent job and our guides Kuru and Liana made this a trip of a lifetime. The most amazing part is that they always were one step ahead of planning the next meal, hike, bike or even maneuvering around the NZ wild weather. All the planning ahead and adjusting on the fly would normally turn a trip to be very stressful but we were able to sit back and relax (not literally because it was very active) and truly enjoy the beautiful landscape and everything NZ had to offer. Truly the trip of a lifetime!”

Ryan Hussey – New Hampshire, United StatesDecember 2016

Tui

“We had a truly great time. Our guides, Koru and Liana were the best. They made the trip so much fun, especially in the light of the unpredictable New Zealand weather! And Lynette was always right there to help us along every step of the way. I brought home memories of a lifetime, and discovered that Kiwis are absolutely the friendliest people on earth. The Tui Trip was a great introductory tour, but now I want to come back again and spend more time hiking and exploring the South Island.

Many thanks to the whole Active Adventures team. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

- Mick
”

Mick Owens – Florida, United StatesDecember 2016

Awesome Tui Trip!

“My husband and I traveled to New Zealand for a late honeymoon and our adventure started with the Tui Trip which couldn't have been better! Between the amazing places we visited along the South Island from our unbelievable guides who quickly became friends, the trip definitely exceeded our expectations! We quickly learned how kiwis truly cherish and appreciate what their beautiful country has to offer and are so thankful to have had such a wonderful experience. New Zealand will always hold a special place in our hearts, along with our memories of hiking, biking, cheers-ing, and chatting with new friends. Thank you Koru and Liana, for making our trip so unforgettable! ”

Lauren Hussey – New Hampshire, United StatesDecember 2016

“My wife and I were 62 at the time of our trip and were concerned that we were getting in over our head. However, the guides carefully monitor our "activity" level to make sure we were fit enough for most activities. We also opted out of some activities but alternatives were available. We enjoyed our trip immensely because we got out of our comfort level and "experienced" the true beauty of NZ including the local accommodations, the food and the people. We tried whitebait and meat pies. We discovered that Makarora was an undiscovered treasure. We also discovered you could dine in Queenstown without waiting in line at Fergburger! We were also blessed with fellow guests that were patient and fun.”

Casey Funk – Colorado, United StatesDecember 2016

Worth every penny!

“This was an amazing trip - highly recommended! Our guides, Koru and Liana, were great - kept us moving and active in all kinds of weather and conditions. Some of the planned tour had to be modified due to weather - it does rain a lot - but no regrets at all. We got a taste of New Zealand on beautiful days, rainy days, and once in rain, sleet and hurricane force winds, but we were always well cared for and felt like we'd seen New Zealand in all of it's majesty. The hiking was strenuous enough to feel like a challenge and leave us tired and a bit sore most days, but never too difficult. The Siberia Valley part of the trip was just spectacular! Koru's knowledge of New Zealand's native plants and animals, history, Maori heritage, and Lord of the Rings stories were particularly fascinating. Would love to go again!”

Bob Martin – South Carolina, United StatesDecember 2016

TUI 2016: LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE!

“Tui trip November 2016 with Tess and Jordie was one of the best experiences of my life! Great vibes and a chilled out atmosphere to enjoy the best of the South Island! Hikes were different every day as were the scenic drives on board Ed! The mountain bike riding across Lake Wanaka was spectacular as was the scenic flight across Siberia Valley! There was a great workout every single day! Jordie and Tess made us feel so welcome and were super knowledgable of every town and national park they took us to! We were never hungry, they never let us lift a finger to do any of the work! FELL IN LOVE with NZ on this trip and will be back within 2 years. Both tour guides made our group feel more like a family rather than a bunch of strangers. ”

Cara Gambill

Trip of a Lifetime is a good way to put it

“Our guides were absolutely amazing! They catered to all of our needs, which is not always the easiest task. I was impressed with how much we fit into our schedule, there is no way I would have been able to do what we did in such a short period of time on my own. It was exactly what I was looking for in a tour group.

It was hard to leave our group and our guides!”

Beth Kenney – California, United StatesDecember 2016

Tui 2016

“This trip was fantastic, one of the best holidays I have had!

The guides were enthusiastic, had great local knowledge and were able to work around the weather conditions so our days were filled with enjoyable and safe activities no matter what
The hikes were tailored to suite everyone so everyone could join in and enjoy no matter age etc but were still challenging enough for avid hikers
The food and accommodation were excellent

I would definitely recommend this holiday to anyone who enjoys the outdoors and being active, thank you for showing us around your beautiful country”

Jacque Ogilvy – South Australia, AustraliaDecember 2016

Amazing Trip

“This trip was amazing - the hikes took us to beautiful vistas, the guides were knowledgeable and fun, and the food was never in short supply ("Food is Fuel!" as one of our guides kept restating).

Koru and Kim were great guides throughout and everyone had so much fun! I was traveling solo but 2 of the other 4 on my trip were as well, so nobody was ever left out! Having such a small group made the activities much easier to enjoy.

The hikes, like I mentioned, were truly unbelievable, though somewhat more difficult than I expected. Everything was talked as 'full-on' or by time, but know that NZ hikes are up mountains then back down, so work on hills more than distance before you go! Even some of the small walks we did (Blue Pools, only 5 minutes from the road & the Chasm, 10 minutes from the road) were breathtaking. Kayaking the Milford Sound was another once in a lifetime experience we got to have on this trip.

The only thing I would have liked (and got jokingly by the end of the trip) were straight communication prior to the hikes about how long they were updates mid-hike about how much longer/further. There was one day with miscommunications leading me to think the hike would be another 3+ hours uphill (nearly inducing panic) but was really only 30 more minutes.

Overall, I really loved this trip!”

Taylor Ceithaml – California, United StatesNovember 2016

AWESOME

“I have been trying to pick my highlight of the trip, and I have come to the conclusion that the whole experience of the Tui trip was a highlight, especially for me coming from the hot Queensland sun where I had not even seen snow before. The country side of NZ is awesome, clear skyes, clean water ways, endless beauty every where I looked. You were able to clear your mind on the hikes and get back in touch with nature, I came home with eye strain from trying to catch and absord all the beauty around me. The trip was even more that I was expecting from start to end. The knowledge of Koru and Kim was great, also those two are machines!!!!!. They went out of there way to make us all feel welcome, nurtured, comfortable and my god, well feed . I can't speak highly enough about Kim and Koru.
I have come home feeling great buzzing about hiking and exploring. Even the girls in the office from start to end have been so helpful and happy. Thank you for making a big decision so easy.
I could keep ranting for ages it was the best thing I have done. Thankyou Active Adventures. 1 Happy little Aussie. ”

Vicki Fry – Queensland, AustraliaNovember 2016

Tui

“Amazing exciting adventure with great guides!”

Holly Henderson – Texas, United StatesNovember 2016

Best Trip!!

“The trip was everything and more of what I expected!! Our guides were amazing and very helpful and attentive. My group was super cool! ”

Maria del Carmen Quiroz – Distrito Federal, MexicoOctober 2016

Exceptional

“I could not have had a better experience on my Tui trip. From start to finish, Claire and Alex were professional, organized, informative, patient and above all else... just amazing human beings. Claire (bear) had an incredible knowledge about New Zealand. No questions went un-answered. She clearly loves her country and it showed in her passion for the culture and the great outdoors. A true guide and educator at heart (I believe.) Alex was so fun and such a great chef. She has an amazing amount of travel experience (especially for her age) and it showed in her skill-set while guiding us. ”

Amelia Bradaric – British Columbia, CanadaOctober 2016

Wonderful Tui Trip

“I wanted to visit NZ since I was six years old and a friend moved there. It took 50+ years for me to get there but Active Adventures made the wait worthwhile. Spectacular scenery, great guides and interesting travel companions made the trip go by too quickly.

I just wish I had brought less stuff than the list recommended. Way overpacked. But Ken was good about it, moving bags around without a complaint. In fact, having Ken as a guide really helped make the trip. He has an indepth knowledge of NZ and a great storytelling style.

I'd take the Tui trip again, well, except that I want to see other parts of NZ!”

Pete Basiliere – New Hampshire, United StatesOctober 2016

we had a blast

“We had the best guides, best group, Good mix of people, Perfect itinerary, cant ask for more for the South Island”

Sai Krishna Gangavalli – Texas, United StatesJuly 2016

Great Fun & adventure

“It was a well-organized and run trip with a wide variety of activities that were challenging, but also fun. It was great to get to know a lot of what New Zealand has to offer outdoor-wise. Sometimes we felt in a little over our heads, but looking back that was the whole point of an adventure. The leaders, Ken. Laura, & Ellie were personable, friendly and approachable and getting to know the fellow travelers on the trip was a great part of the trip. We felt lucky that everyone did get a long well. Since we had been to New Zealand previously, it was great to see & do a lot of things we hadn't had a chance to before. Having AANZ as a guide allowed greater depth & insight into the character of the country and its ecology. Brilliant trip!”

Todd Henkelmann – Pennsylvania, United StatesJune 2016

Absolutely awesome

“I visited New Zealand three times in the 1980’s and 1990’s and a fourth visit – a more “active” adventure - became my top bucket list item . . . it was worth the wait! The "Tui" adventure was truly a trip of a lifetime, and our guides, Katie and Alex, were terrific – it’s obvious they love what they do. ”

Robyn Jensen – California, United StatesJune 2016

Tui with Michelle and Joe!

“Wow! such a fun trip! Great guides! Really enjoyed them both. Very professional yet so friendly. Toward the end of the trip, felt out group was really close!”

Courtney Davis – California, United StatesJune 2016

South Island

“It was a great way to see and experience New Zealand and its people. Michelle and Elder are excellent tour guides, and the 7 people with me were good company. I don't know if I will ever get to NZ again, but I definitely would return based on my experience. It would be a nice place to live.”

Vincent Simpson – New York, United StatesMay 2016

The BEST:)

“This was one of the best trips I have ever been on! Only downfall was it was only 8 days long...will definitely be going back to New Zealand:)”

Liz Sinclair – California, United StatesMay 2016

Tui was amazing for me!

“The South Island of New Zealand is the most beautiful place I've ever been. Our guides, Michelle and Joe, were extremely intelligent, kind, and fun! Our fellow tripmates were who you would pick without knowing that's who you'd pick. I had the best time and without Active Adventures I wouldn't have explored this splendorous country and it's natural beauty so thoroughly. It was some of the most adventurous, peaceful, and enjoyable days of my life...so far...”

Allison Kelly – California, United StatesMay 2016

Incredible opportunity!

“Every day was a fresh challenge and a delightful experience in New Zealand. Our guides were fantastic. I can't really imagine how the trip could be improved. It was simply an expertly organized and led expedition. I hope to travel more with Active Adventures because you obviously know what you are doing!”

Claire Forsyth – Virginia, United StatesMay 2016

Tui in the Fall

“The Tui trip was an amazing way to see the Southern Island. It gets you to places that would be very difficult to access on your own visiting New Zealand for a couple of weeks. Guides were wonderful and very entertaining. Would suggest it to anyone wanting to see the beauty of the South Island”

Kelly Dennis – Washington, United StatesMay 2016

Everlasting Memories in NZ

“From start to finish, our Tui Trip with Active Adventures was everything we hoped for and more. I have never experienced a more action packed, stunningly beautiful, adventure filled 8 days in my life! Thank you for the many memories made Active!! NZ will forever have my heart!”

Cori Harris – California, United StatesApril 2016

Fantastic 'trip itinerary' lead by 2 of the best guides

“This is one of the best outdoor trips my wife and I have ever taken. The scenery to the trek sites is just fantastic and the trek routes are real great.
We had 2 of the best guides ever!! The driving, guiding and the food preparation were just superb - kudos to Dave and Jasmine :)”

Peter Tan – Sarawak, MalaysiaApril 2016

Tremendous Tui!

“8 days of intense activity but soooo worth it! Great company, amazing places and just sheer awesomeness - from hiking up mountains, biking around beautiful lakes to jumping off mountains, small planes, jet boats and sea kayaks. Laughs and spills coupled with the odd glass of New Zealand wine - what more could you ask for!”

Gwen Morgan-Fox – Berks, United KingdomApril 2016

Generally a great trip.

“Generally a great trip.”

Holly Gambill – Washington, United StatesApril 2016

Very well organized with great Guides

“Overall the trip was very well organized and the guides were great. The guides were very knowledgeable about the areas visited and they kept us entertained with their experiences. The food & accommodation over the trip was quite good and I understand all well vetted by the Active team over the time they have been running their tours. Understandably some accommodation was basic, to other a little more lavish (like in Queenstown) based on the area we travelled through…however in general is was all very comfortable.

The activities were also well organized - with most of the hikes being relatively easy (and some options for harder ones). As a portion of each day is spent travelling the mode of transport becomes key – the 20-seater bus was definitely a lot more comfortable with us just being a small group of 8.

Was my first time in New Zealand and definitely was a great tour to get a glimpse of some of the divers areas of the south island.”

Ankush Sanan – , Hong KongApril 2016

Tui Experience - my best ever trip

“NZ is meant for adventure. It has a beautiful weather, huge open space, amazing scenery and friendly people. I figured that i can't be visiting NZ on a normal sightseeing mode. One need to experience the beautiful landscape and parks via active adventure such Tui. I think it's the best decision I've made. Tui adventure with Katie and Clara was a joy. They are a good team. Tui trip has given me the opportunity to meet and make new friends with people from different part of the world, all of whom share the same passion for travel and adventure. Tui makes me want to come back for more daring adventure NZ has to offer. Well done guys.”

Hamid Rahman – WP KL, MalaysiaApril 2016

Loved Mel!!

“I really enjoyed hanging out with Mel during our overnight trip in Siberia Valley, she took excellent care of us and even remembered that I don't eat refined carbs...she was super attentive and kind. Hope to see her in another adventure.”

Leanne Chen – California, United StatesApril 2016

Awesome trip!

“Our Tui trip was even more fabulous than we had imagined! Our guides were great, the scenery was fantastic, and being active & outdoors is definitely the best way to truly experience New Zealand. ”

Barb Mize – Oklahoma, United StatesApril 2016

Active Adventures knows how to take care of their guests!

“From the booking process to last day of my trip, all Active Adventures staff made me feel so well taken of! They answered questions, were friendly, professional and worked with my special requests going above and beyond to make sure my trip was a success and just what I was looking for! I was so appreciative of their efforts!”

Eden Zang – Hawaii, United StatesApril 2016

“I began this trip with the desire to spend 8 glorious days actively exploring with my daughter....in a place neither of us had been and a country I had been told, was just beautiful. I came away with much, much more. Not only was New Zealand breathtaking, from our treks to our prop plane ride, to our biking, kayaking and jet boating, but what made it even more beautiful was seeing the land and the life of the people through the eyes of our wonderful guides. They never tired of our endless questions, catered to our every need, and fed us the most delicious meals...and that's what truly made our Tui Trek second to none. My hats off to Active Adventures for providing us a trip to remember!!! ”

Sally Hawes – South Carolina, United StatesApril 2016

Fabulous

“ loved out tour, Joe's cooking was sensational and he and Gary got me to do more than I thought I was capable of doing.
Each event was amazing and fun filled, challenging and exciting.
I wouldnt have signed up if I had known how hard it was, but I feel a deep sense of confidence at having done it.

Many thanks!

Susie”

Susie Alberts – Illinois, United StatesApril 2016

Outstanding trip for experiencing South Island beauty!

“Active Adventures knows the top attractions, how to best experience them, and how to put you right into them! Take your fitbit or equivalent, you will log lots of steps and burn some calories! Highly recommend the Siberia Valley Wilderness hike/overnight stay.”

Paul Markworth – Oregon, United StatesMarch 2016

Fabulous trip. Everything went great.

“Been looking forward to our trip for over a year. We met our guides, Kate and Mel, at the airport as planned and everything was perfect. The transportation was roomy and comfortable. Kate and Mel did a wonderful job making sure we enjoyed our trip. They catered the activities to our desires and abilities. At times the group split up to accommodate everyone and they were completely flexible. We are already planning our next Active adventure to Patagonia. ”

Jim Combs Jr – Utah, United StatesMarch 2016

Lovely, well prepared trip

“Gary and Joe at Active Adventures showed us an amazing time by taking us on challenging yet rewarding hikes as well as catering to any and all of our needs by being very patient and attentive. The trip ran smoothly and was an amazing way to see the lovely South Island of New Zealand in 8 days. ”

Rachel Hawes – South Carolina, United StatesMarch 2016

“This trip was awesome. Saw the South Island of New Zealand in the best fashion possible. Our guides were great and felt everyone on trip bonded nicely.
There is no question you need to be in good shape to do this trip, but that was what made it so much fun. Just incredible!”

Fran Kaminsky – Texas, United StatesMarch 2016

Magical New Zealand

“Our Tui trip with Ken and Tess could not have been better. New Zealand is
a beautiful, magical place and to see it with such competent and personable
guides was very special. Many thanks!”

Gina Wilson – Connecticut, United StatesMarch 2016

Awesome Introduction to South Island gems!

“My TUI was absolutely AWESOME! Just the perfect way to be introduced to the gems of NZ's South Island with plenty of (official) firsts, well-planned and managed activities, fun and awe! Conquering my 1st trails mountain biking (all 29km++of it, 1st biking stint of any sort) was definitely one of the highlights of my TUI. Kayaking 12km++with my husband on the Milford Sound in almost surreal downpour, snoozing fur seals, penguins and, countless breathtaking waterfalls sealed the magnanimous beauty of TUI. Then, there were the 1st class trails; to get to run on 1st class trails such as up and down The Divide, Mount Shrimpton, Rainbow Reach was my dream come true. And finally, our wonderful guides, Jasmine & Dave with their generous relentless energy, warmth and efficiency absolutely sealed a truly memorable Kiwi adventure! Thumbs-up awesome!”

Julie Teo-Tan – Sarawak, MalaysiaMarch 2016

Tui Trip

“The trip was amazing. The itinerary was very well planned and of course New Zealand is a country unlike any other. The one factor that brought all of this together and made the trip really unforgettable were the guides Katie and Clara. I have been working in the hospitality industry for 20 years at some the worlds best restaurants and hotels. In my opinion the knowledge, kindness, positive attitude and fun spirits of both Katie and Clara were what brought the trip from good to amazing. ”

Shannon Bates – Florida, United StatesMarch 2016

Enjoying a taste of most everything in a place WITH everything!

“This was a well-planned trip that allowed you to see and experience so many things NZ's South Island has to offer. Smart travel routes between activity sites kept things both active and comfortable. Excellent guiding, great equipment, amazing fun!!”

Pat Johnson – Minnesota, United StatesMarch 2016

An incredible way to see the South Island!

“My husband and I were impressed with our guides ability to walk us through the beauty and diversity of the South Island. We felt very well taken care of and were able to see and do things I could have never planned on my own.”

Anjali Pinto – Illinois, United StatesMarch 2016

“Ken was an outstanding guide, very knowledgeable about the area, flora and fauna; and a great cook at the mountain hut.”

Greg Kvam – Minnesota, United StatesMarch 2016

beautiful country, great company and fun adventure

“Active Adventure pack as much as possible into 8 days which we greatly appreciated. Wonderful people to share the journey with and delicious food. We had an amazing time. ”

Cecilia Redding – North Carolina, United StatesMarch 2016

Great trip

“Hi-

The trip was amazing. We saw extraordinary sights and the group compatibility was fantastic, enhanced by our guides, who took on all the planning and potentially stressful details. The perfect choice of music and humour and Katie's wonderful legends about the Maori explanations for things really enlivened the trip. The aspect of the trip that was most positive and exciting for me was to see that my aging body could do more than I thought that it could. I could see myself getting stronger every day. I could do things that I had cut out of my life ( I have a shoulder with chronic problems and a damaged knee) and I can still hike and even kayak. That is the most powerful take home message. Now the trick is to continue to hike and kayak now that I am home!!! I liked how Katie and Clara responded to how people were progressing- not judgmental or encouraging--both can feel patronizing. They were there as a supportive presence. ”

Sarah Lawton-Speert – British Columbia, CanadaFebruary 2016

First visit to NZ

“Wow the South Island of NZ is the most beautiful pristine place we have ever visited and our guide Michelle was awesome”

Peter Clausen – Iowa, United StatesFebruary 2016

Our active trip in New Zealand

“As a seasoned traveler and an active person I had high expectations for being guided and also being able to push myself physically and mentally. This tour exceeded our expectations in most ways. The guides were strong and caring and very knowledgeable in the history of New Zealand as well as what we needed to know to have successful hikes, biking and kayaking. They also knew how to balance a group with different fitness levels and ages. Our group ranged from 25- 78 years old and yet we bonded beautifully as a group. We were also able to do each activity at the pace that we wanted. Nobody felt pushed and nobody felt held back. New Zealand is the most beautiful place on this planet and the people are the happiest and kindest you will ever meet. ”

Susan Golden – Maine, United StatesFebruary 2016

Wonderful Trip!

“This trip made us heavily consider moving to New Zealand. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to take in such beautiful landscapes while being actively engaged with the environment. The epic scenery coupled with the activities definitely made it a true adventure!”

Becca Hallum – Georgia, United StatesFebruary 2016

Best Trip Ever!

“At the end of this trip, all I could think was that it was the antithesis to the children's book "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day". Someone on our trip must have done something good before coming, because everything came together flawlessly. The two guides (Katie and Clara) were fabulous - hilarious, informative, gracious, and kept the trip running smoothly, seemingly without effort. Ages on our trip spanned from 25-78, a mix of singles and couples, but the group couldn't have gelled better. On top of it all, the weather cooperated beautifully - apparently it rains 200 days a year on the West Coast, but we saw none of it. The activities were fun and well paced, the food provided was excellent, and the playlists on the drives were spot on. Oh and of course, New Zealand itself can't be beat for scenery and friendly people! ”

Erin Walsh – Texas, United StatesFebruary 2016

Perfect!

“Everything about my Tui trip was fantastic! James was an EXCELLENT guide. It was amazing how fulfilling such a short trip could be!”

Paige Driscoll – Michigan, United StatesFebruary 2016

Tui Trip

“New Zealand was awesome, the guides were great and the hikes were even better. The helicopter and small plane rides were thrilling. The jet boat was also great fun. ”

Katherine Hallum – Florida, United StatesFebruary 2016

Trip of a Lifetime!

“We loved our Tui adventure! Ken and Tess were great guides and we would highly recommend Active Adventures. All in all a fantastic trip. Thanks!”

Michael Wilson – Connecticut, United StatesFebruary 2016

Beautiful beyond expectations

“New Zealand was amazing and stupendously beautiful! The Tui trip enabled us to see some very remote parts of NZ, and experience the naturalistic beauty up close through our hiking and kayaking, and even during the bus travel between stops. The trip was paced very well and was a good balance between activities and down time. The guides made it easy to relax and enjoy what the South Island had to offer.”

Kathy Clark – Pennsylvania, United StatesFebruary 2016

TUI JAN 2016

“WELL ORGANIZED TRIP. GUIDES KEN & TESS WERE VERY FRIENDLY AND KNOWLEDGEABLE WHICH GREATLY ENHANCED OUR UNDERSTANDING & APPRECIATION OF NEW ZEALAND. HIKES, BIKING AND KAYAKING SPOTS WERE VERY MEMORABLE.”

Clarence Clark V – Pennsylvania, United StatesFebruary 2016

Mark hatter's review

“The guides were superb, the sights were fantastic...lots of fruits and snacks which was great! We did spend more time than we expected on the buss traveling between sights. Really enjoyed the mountain biking and would liked to have had option to do more. Not sure why we had day off in Queenstown in the Middle of the trip, it was not strenuous that required a rest day. Would have liked a contiguous trip with added day of activity (mountain biking?)”

Mark Hatter – Florida, United StatesFebruary 2016

Beautiful Country!

“Positives were the two wonderfully knowledgeable guides, Amanda and Rachel; the constant fresh fruit; the beautiful roadside "weeds'"; the stunning hikes and equally stunning rivers from babbling trickles to full blown rivers, and almost as good as the overall scenery was getting to experience a culture of courtesy everywhere we went. And although I did not like the hours spent traveling from activity to activity, it is probably the only way to cover all that we experienced within a short week's time.”

Vicky Hatter – Florida, United StatesFebruary 2016

Kia Kia Kaha

“The trip was awesome from start to finish. Beautiful places with fantastic guides, a great group of people and heaps of fun things to do and see along the way. it made me happy, hungry and at peace. It was real life, proper hard work and fun - we laughed lots and made some genuine new friendships. FANTASTIC”

Melanie Hawyes – New South Wales, AustraliaFebruary 2016

A Fantastic Field Trip!

“My Tui trip was one of the best travel adventures I've ever experienced. New Zealand has unimaginable beauty that must be appreciated with your own eyes. Active Adventures did a great job in selecting a variety of majestic sites, as well as very fine lodging accommodations. Our guides were excellent! Nick, Tess and later Katie, took great care of our meals, transportation, safety and other adulting details. Because of their efforts, we were able to be like kids on a grand field trip, waking each day with only an itinerary of adventure to accomplish. They were also very knowledgeable, friendly and fun to be around. My only regret is not being able to visit longer. Thank you!”

Jeremy Chambers – Idaho, United StatesFebruary 2016

Loved the trip & guides

“We enjoyed every day of our trip, and our guides Amanda and Rachael were so knowledgeable and accommodating. Our days were packed with fun activities and true to its name, it was a very active experience.”

Rachel Hallum-Montes – Florida, United StatesFebruary 2016

Best guides ever.

“Our guides, Katie and Alex, were so incredibly friendly and encouraging to everyone on the trip. I loved talking to them and they both took great care of all of us and the nature we were surrounded by. They are hilarious and very positive people and I would take another trip with them anytime, anywhere. ”

Caitlin West – Virginia, United StatesFebruary 2016

“My daughter and I planned this trip for almost a year. The trip did not disappoint in any way. We had great weather, great guides and an outstanding group to share the 8 days with.
God has created an amazing place in New Zealand and we enjoyed every minute of the trip.”

Thorsten Wienss – Wisconsin, United StatesJanuary 2016

Incredible trip to the South Island

“We took an 8 day Tui trip through the South Island as a part of our honeymoon, and had a wonderful experience. Each day was planned perfectly, and we got to see so much more and do so much more than we would have on our own. The hikes were challenging but fun and with incredible scenery, and having someone drive you to your hotel and just HAND you your room key after a long day on the trail was priceless! The guides were wonderful, friendly, knowledgeable, and fun. We definitely will carry the memories from this trip with us forever.”

Phoebe Cohen – Vermont, United StatesJanuary 2016

Awesome adventure

“The best way to see Nee Zealand for the first time with the best guides in the business ( Ken & Tess).”

Danielle Grimaldi – Alaska, United StatesJanuary 2016

Worth every penny

“We love to travel alone normally, doing our own thing and enjoying the privacy and 'together' time. But when we were going such a long way from home we thought it best to get some help from experts. Active Adventures didn't disappoint. We're already recommending them to others, for their support before the trip and the extensive choice and adaptability of the organised trips. Rebecca and I are quite different in our abilities and approach to adventure, and neither of us was disappointed really in what we got from the trip. ”

Lisa Bragg – Jersey, United KingdomJanuary 2016

An unbelievable journey through the South Island

“Before coming to New Zealand, friends told me how beautiful the country is. After a week on the TUI trip, I can state emphatically that words alone cannot describe what I saw. Not only is the country unbelievably beautiful, the residents are welcoming and friendly. Our guides were terrific and made us feel welcome as soon as we arrived and throughout the entire trip. If we ever return to New Zealand, we plan to take a different trip with Active Adventures.”

Kirt West – Virginia, United StatesJanuary 2016

Tui

“I could not be happier with the quality of the trip. The guides, Katie and Alex were both excellent. Smart, funny, good communicators and problem solvers. They knew what we needed before we did! This was the best trip I had ever taken. Active surpassed our trip expectations. I would definitely go on another Active trip although it's hard to believe it could be better than NZ. The scenery, the people, and most of all, our guides, made it very special.”

Renee West – Virginia, United StatesJanuary 2016

Garden of Eden

“Right off the bat, we knew we were some place special, a veritable Garden of Eden.
Our Tui trip had it all - challenging hikes that were far off the beaten path, mountain biking, kayaking Milford Sound, jetboating, a backcountry trip, awesome sunsets. Great guides, excellent food and awesome new friends helped make the trip everything we had hoped.”

Les High – North Carolina, United StatesJanuary 2016

A real must !

“WOW. So many awesome experiences in 8 days. Every type of environment. Every type of weather. A real Active Adventure... I think we smashed it !”

Mike Brecht – California, United StatesJanuary 2016

Tui Trip -Dec 2015 / Jan 2016

“A fantastic way to see the West Coast of the South Island, enjoy some terrific tramps and breath taking scenery.”

Rebecca Keating – Jersey, United KingdomJanuary 2016

Great guides, vibe and pace

“Nick and Holly were a great team, keeping everyone moving and happy (but at their own pace). Although we had a lot of the South Island to cover, the mix of activity and travel was managed well. The number of solo travelers made everyone feel included and part of a group.”

Sue Merrilees – New South Wales, AustraliaJanuary 2016

Awesome Trip

“Tui Tour Dec 13 – Dec 20, 2015

This was such an awesome experience. For sure a bit challenging at times on the Siberia Valley hike, but well worth the effort. What truly made this trip were the guides, Holly and Nick, and the group of 7. We all blended well as a group which is always a good thing. Hats off to Holly and Nick for being exceptional guides and new friends. They were very attentive to the needs and interests of the group and went above and beyond to make this a wonderful time for all. A special thank you for making my 50th birthday a joy beyond measure. Holly and Nick: Your friendship has meant more than you will ever know. Thank you so much.

As for the trip: of course there is a bit of driving to get from point to point, but the featured stops were wonderful even with the rain. No joke when they say pack for both warm and cold weather. I didn’t really get in shape for this level of exercise but still made it ok. It would have been more enjoyable had I worked out a bit.
I was a little concerned about keeping up with the “rabbits” in the group but that turned out to be a non issue. We all took our own pace. It was nice to be hiking solo part of the time: just me and nature. Food food food!!! No shortage there. First nights meal with lamb and mint sauce: excellent. And last nights dessert was a BIG hit: Pavlova and passion fruit ice cream. Wonderful!!! I ate tons and actually lost a pound in the 8 days. I’m sure I left it on the trails.
So glad I stayed in the hut instead of tent. Just less to mess with.

I could go on and on about the trip, but overall it was a great experience. So glad I signed up.

”

Derek Ham – Texas, United StatesJanuary 2016

Trip of a lifetime

“We loved our Tui trip! Our guides Nick and Kim were awesome. They answered all our questions about New Zealand and made our entire trip wonderful. We saw so many beautiful things, that would have been missed if we tried to do it on our own. I would definitely recommend this trip to family and friends. ”

Walter's review

Great guides, great trip!

“This trip powers through the best scenery in the South with great guides, sensitive to all our needs and enthusiastic beyond; making it possible for our gang to bond successfully.”

Gilles Roussin – Quebec, CanadaDecember 2015

Memorable action packed trip

“This trip was amazing! I felt that it packed in everything I could ever want in my short stay. Jasmine and Tess were fantastic guides, and I felt very well cared for. This trip far exceeded any of my expectations. I only wish I could have stayed longer. ”

Alan Lobo – Texas, United StatesDecember 2015

Superb guides, awesome scenery, exhausting hikes

“Gary and Joe were fantastic guides; approachable, knowledgeable and attentive to everyone's needs. They provided lots of laughs and are excellent cooks too! In terms of the trip, there was a great variety of activities and stimulating experiences, not to mention the magnificent scenery almost everywhere we went. Some of the hikes were quite gruelling though and do require reasonable physical fitness. Sandflies were an issue and the itch seems to get worse as time goes on so I'd advise covering your hands and feet at all times or using strong insect repellant, especially in Siberia where there were literally thick clouds of them. Overall a really exciting and memorable trip.”

Stephen Wood – Victoria, AustraliaDecember 2015

Thank you Gary and Joe

“Although the weather might have been better, it was a wonderful way to get a chance to see some of the natural beauty of New Zealand in such a short amount of time. I was happy for the fact that there was some latitude in what we were doing and we were extremely lucky in that it was a small group. . I greatly appreciated the care our guides took in caring for us. I was also happy that they were able to join us zip-lining above Queenstown on our one free day (you should consider adding that to your program).”

Franklin Yu – California, United StatesDecember 2015

Excellent way to see the south island

“”

Margaret Shih – California, United StatesDecember 2015

Truly Memorable

“Between the scenery, experiences and people, this was a truly memorable trip. The landscape and natural beauty were stunning. The weather allowed us to see a more mystical side of New Zealand (I only wish rain gear featured less prominently in my photos). Our guides James and Laura were positive, encouraging, knowledgeable, and so much more. They ably dealt with the changing conditions, and kept us challenged but always safe. I felt a sense of accomplishment reaching the top of Ben Lomond and kayaking through a storm in Milford Sound. Finally, the tour group was fantastic, and I have great memories with new friends.”

Loong Chen – Illinois, United StatesDecember 2015

Tui

“The variety of activities was perfect. James and Laura did a wonderful job with our diverse group in our strengths/weakness and excitement/fears. We got to see and do so much on the south island which makes for fantastic stories to tell at home. The weather was uncooperative which was disappointing but James and Laura made the best of it for us!”

Amy Powell – Iowa, United StatesDecember 2015

Tui is for everyone

“This was a great trip for folks with limited travel time, mixed outdoor experience and for those who want to get exposure to the variety of the South Island. It was the perfect venue for our first visit to New Zealand. James and Laura did a fantastic job dealing with the changing weather conditions and really helped make the group experience one to remember for everyone.”

Mark Watson – New Hampshire, United StatesDecember 2015

A Stunning Feast for the Eyes

“In spite of the fact that the weather was simply awful, I mean raining everyday, the trip was most enjoyable. The staff was upbeat and didn't let us get down because of the weather and we still managed to see why this country is probably the most beautiful place on the planet. ”

Sara Traub – Ontario, CanadaDecember 2015

Tui Trip

“James and Laura were awesome. Best days were when the were lots of hiking and activities, especially when the day started with those. Starting a day with lots of bus travel was not enjoyable for me.”

Wayne Bewley – Indiana, United StatesDecember 2015

Tui trip Exceeded expectations

“This was our first group travel and it exceeded our expectations. We were 8 guests and 2 guides. We really appreciated the New Zealand travel sensibility - very comfortable, but not too posh. Traveling with Active Adventures provided an insiders experince and especially into hiking in Mt Aspiring National Park (Siberia Valley) and exploring Milford Sound. We loved the small plane and helicopter flights and jet boating out from one of our hikes. Guides were superb and flexible in coordinating all the logistics. We highly recommend Active Adventures.”

Sally Hardy – Colorado, United StatesDecember 2015

Great tour

“Our trip was a father/son trip to spend some good quality time together in a different place other than the one we live in. New Zealand was a perfect venue. The variety of adventure and landscape was unparalleled. We live in Utah and have always loved the variety it offers, New Zealand is very similar in the variety it offers but an entirely different menu. Amazing mountains, rivers, glaciers, forests, oceans/seas and perhaps most of all people. Our guides, Claire and Alex were the perfect hosts, knowledgeable, friendly, efficient, personable and great communicators. They kept the tour moving smoothly and the group happy, entertained, challenged and engaged. Kudos to them, their training and their people skills were fantastic, and their love for their native country was admirable. Good fun.”

Kurt Peterson – Utah, United StatesNovember 2015

A challenging adventure!

“Although some of the scheduled activities were quite daunting for me, the guides were always encouraging and allowed me to modify my participation in extreme situations. They were always very supportive, and that resulted in my doing more than I actually thought I could!”

Betsy Richman – Pennsylvania, United StatesNovember 2015

“My husband and I loved our Tui trip. Our guides, Michelle and Tess, were wonderful, knowledgeable and very adaptable when dealing with our group. They made sure we had fun even when nature and the weather didn't always agree with our plans. The scenery was beautiful and we really enjoyed the variety of our activities (hiking, biking, kayaking). We had a great time.”

Dalton Rodriguez – Tennessee, United StatesNovember 2015

No Way I Could Plan Something This Fun!

“Kim, Nick and the Active Adventures team did an incredible job. Every day we had "once in a life time experiences." We were gently pushed to do things we would not have done alone, and we are so thankful that we were. If you want to experience everything that is so magical about the South Island in a relatively compressed time frame, this is your trip!”

Kristina Auth-Paltell – Maryland, United StatesNovember 2015

Better Than Expected

“Don't get the idea from the title of this review that we had low expectations for our first trip to New Zealand. We all had looked forward to this trip for a long time, and we expected it to be great. And it was...and then some! New Zealand is beautiful, and the Tui itinerary gave us the opportunity to explore a good variety of its offerings. Our guides, Ben and Cristina, were tremendous -- prepared, knowledgeable, and lots of fun (and both are great cooks!!) They were able to accommodate everyone on the trip, from the young and speedy hikers to those of us that have a few more miles on our legs -- even those of us that may have taken a wrong turn on a hike!! All in all, a wonderful trip that met and exceeded our expectations!”

Bob Cohen – New Jersey, United StatesJuly 2015

Tui 2015

“This trip was a once in a lifetime adventure it was amazing to be in New Zealand and see the land of middle earth. Everyone was so nice from our guides to the people I traveled with. I will never forget any of them nor the trip I will be back. Would definitely recommend this trip!”

Sturling Bowman – Missouri, United StatesJune 2015

Tui w/ Guides DK and Nick

“A well-run tour. Guides DK and Nick couldn't have been nicer or more qualified. New Zealand is a beautiful country. Thank you to DK and Nick.”

David Hall – Maryland, United StatesApril 2015

March 2015 Tui Trip with Dave and Amanda

“First time to New Zealand. Trip was a lot of fun and the guides were great and made it even more enjoyable. Their ability to change with short notice due to weather, etc. was also helpful and the food was very good as well.”

Bart Starkey – Texas, United StatesMarch 2015

Everything you want and more!

“I loved the challenge of this Tui trip, it definitely took me out of my comfort zone in all the right ways! At the beginning of the week, I was only able to make it half way across Douglas Bridge. By the end of the week, I couldn't wait to cross Rainbow Reach! Every day brought a new challenge and every night brought a new beautiful accommodation that allowed for a restful night. I met some amazing people who I will definitely keep in touch with. Dave, Elder and Vanessa were fantastic! They were incredibly encouraging and whipped up some mean meals, too. I loved learning a little about New Zealand's history while driving from one adventure to the next. It's impossible to put the breath-taking scenery into words, others will have to see for themselves! ”

Abi Paxton – Indiana, United StatesMarch 2015

Absolutely Awesome

“This trip was fantastic. Dave, Elder and Vanessa were great and always there to answer questions or give us a hand if needed. Each day was as spectacular as the last. The Tui trip was everything I could've asked for and more.”

Drew Paxton – Indiana, United StatesMarch 2015

A Bucket List Must-Do

“Being from New Zealand myself, but not having been to the South Island before, I was absolutely blown away by the sheer beauty of landscape that awaited us. The trip itself was packed with so many amazing activities, and the guides were AMAZING!!! ”

Cass Dawson-Tobich – Bay Of Plenty, New ZealandMarch 2015

Gods Country

“I had been to the North Island back in the 80's for work. I always said I was coming back mainly due to the incredibly nice people as well as how beautiful NZ is. My wife and I decided to sign up for this adventure to celebrate our 15th anniversary. Since we have been back about all I can say to my friends and family is that no matter how many pictures you see of the south island or how much you hear about NZ and the people, you have to go to really get the jist. The scenery is mind boggling, the available activities run from awe inspiring to heart stopping (Nivas Bungee). Active Adventures (Nick and DK) were awesome all the way from cooking to driving to historians about the Mauri people to superior guides in getting you to the most beautiful spots on earth. These guys are a class act!”

Van Stanley – Wisconsin, United StatesMarch 2015

Fantastic Guides, Amazing Food & Mind Blowing Scenery!

“I'm a well travelled Kiwi, both overseas and in my own country of New Zealand. Having spent alot of time in the South Island, I thought I had already seen the best of New Zealand, but Active took us to the absolute cream of NZ. We visited places that were just awe inspiring and so stunningly beautiful! Our guides DK and Nick were heaps of fun but also very professional. They paid great attention to everyones needs, (they made sure that even a guest who had arrived with a sprained ankle didn't miss out on any of the experiences to be had). They told us lots of fascinating stories and facts about New Zealand and I have to say - know how to produce yummy food, everything from gourmet sandwiches to roast Lamb! And Nick - you cook a mighty good venison steak too! Can't say enough about how special this trip was, Active you really do know how to treat visitors to the best of stunning scenery and a top class travel experience!”

Mia Gordon – Bay Of Plenty, New ZealandMarch 2015

Tui

“Helen and I had a great time on the Tui trip. Katie, our guide, was spectacular and kept us moving and entertained the whole time. We saw so many great sights and loved all the different activities we did in a weeks time.
We will be back to New Zealand!”

Neil Garvey – New Hampshire, United StatesMarch 2015

Down Here Up High in Middle Earth

“We left Haast township on Tuesday morning in our trustworthy Toyota minibus heading away from the Tasman Sea and over the divide in the Southern Alps. The rivers now flowed into the Pacific Ocean toward the east side of the island. In the township of Makarora we boarded a single engine plane and took off from a dirt runway and headed into the Siberian Valley. The pilot took us on a spectacular sight seeing route as we banked near the mountain cliffs and past turquoise lakes fed by waterfalls coming from glaciers. We touched down on another dirt runway in the Siberia Valley. After fording our first stream getting our boots filled with ice cold water, we arrived at a mountain hut where we pitched our tent while most others claimed a spot on the sleeping platform in the hut. Shortly after we began our 8 hour hike heading for Lake Crucible. We forded two more streams before beginning a steep "root hold" ascent. Our surroundings remained rain forest. Mark Knoffler's "brothers in arms" could have been in the valley as mist covered mountains were everywhere. A mostly steady drizzle kept us wet as we broke above the root hold area and the forest canopy. "This is the largest member of the marigold family in the world found only down here up high," said our excellent Kiwi guide, DK. I pondered the oxymoron and smiled on how descriptive this was. We headed higher and came into a hanging valley, a horseshoe canyon more accurately described as a cirque. Steep, glistening granite walls shrouded in mist and clouds hung above us as we approached Lake Crucible still too high for us to see. The final approach was steep and rocky. Finally we were treated to a small emerald lake at the end of the valley. 260 degrees of the view was shear granite slopes plunging into the lake. I counted 15 small streams and rivulets cascading into the water. Looking down the valley I saw clouds below us and above us and nothing but rain forest. Middle Earth came to mind. It was an incredibly spiritual place and well worth the effort. We arrived back at the hut about 7:45 pm tired and wet, but filled with another experience of a lifetime.”

Dodd Cosgrove – Minnesota, United StatesMarch 2015

A fantastic week

“We had a great time on our tui trip. The staff were fantastic and the sights were amazing!”

Carole Sherritt – Queensland, AustraliaMarch 2015

New friends and breathtaking landscape

“The "Tui" was a fantastic way to experience the South Island of New Zealand. My husband and I were blessed to be placed with a fun group of 15 individuals from the U.S., England, Canada, and Belgium (all ages) who became friends by the end of the week. Our leaders, GT and Celia, were knowledgeable, easy going, and entertaining. From Franz Josef glacier to Milford Sound and everything in between, New Zealand's beauty is breathtaking and indescribable. The length of the trip - 8 days - was just right for our schedule but certainly teased us in wanting to see more of New Zealand.”

Bonnie Coley-Malir – Ohio, United StatesMarch 2015

Walking With Wet "Wons"

“We had a great vacation. The trip was well planned and organized with a flexible but robust schedule. The two ladies Kate and Laura were enthusiastic the whole trip with educational side stories. The group of people we were with were wonderful and after a very wet second day walking to the Glacier we knick named ourselves the Wet "Wons".......this somehow was a blessing since we didn't have a wet day after that. Awesome scenery, fun and challenging activities, we will be back soon.”

Graham Stone – California, United StatesMarch 2015

TUI Trip with Alex

“This trip was memorable for many reasons. My first adventure trip, my first group trip, and of course my first time in NZ! The scenery was even more impressive and majestic than what we see in the movies.
GT and Celia were the perfect guides. GT gave lots of background info in his calm voice. He has a calming influence, I find, and is such a gentleman! Celia was great as his sidekick and perfect for our trio of young adult boys! She encouraged them to have fun but you knew she also kept an eye on them.
In fact, Alex and Greg had such a good time that they're returning to NZ for a week shortly.
I would do this trip again, no question. ”

Brigitte Fefer – Quebec, CanadaMarch 2015

Tui Trip, Feb. 2015

“The trip was fantastic! We hiked, we biked, we kayaked. Great group of people and great leadership, which made for a great experience! ”

Fred Bell – Hawaii, United StatesMarch 2015

Great Trip

“We had a terrific time - New Zealand is beautiful.”

Karen Bowen – California, United StatesMarch 2015

Tui Trip was Magical, Active Adventures Guides Made It Unreal

“If you are looking for a magical, active NZ adventure that it truly unforgetable and where you are spoiled daily by nature and your guides, this is the trip for you. Active Adventure Guides made my New Zealand trip beyond spectacular. It was by far the best guided trip tour I have ever taken. I'm not in the best shape and I have food allergies, so I'm not the easiest traveler to accommodate. They went above and beyond to make my trip go smoothly and make it extra special. - Susan”

Susan Urban – Washington, United StatesMarch 2015

Tui Travels

“Our Tui trip was the perfect way to see the South Island off the beaten path. We hiked, biked, kayaked, ate well, saw spectacular scenery, and made new friends. I highly recommend it!
Cyndy, Denver, CO”

Cyndy Krening – Colorado, United StatesMarch 2015

Dan's review

“I was totally pleased with this trip.”

Dan Krening – Colorado, United StatesMarch 2015

“The trip was awesome, and Amanda and Logan were even better. The scenery is beautiful, the activities fun. The only downside was the amount of time traveling in the bus, but given the distances, that can't be avoided.

The preparation of the guides is amazing. Amanda was always early and prepared. Whatever came up, she was ready for it. Snacks, water, and great meals that she cooked. The guides made it an enjoyable experience, even in the rain.”

Kendall Montgomery – Texas, United StatesFebruary 2015

ODZIANA TUI TRIP - February 2015

“EXCELLENT! Best trip ever... what also made the trip so enjoyable is that the group as a whole got along great. Good mix of personalities.”

Theresa Odziana – Michigan, United StatesFebruary 2015

Our Awesome Tui trip with Active Adventures

“We spent seven amazing days with the most hard working and attentive guides we have ever had on an adventure trip. We were looked after every step of the way and shown the best of what the South Island of New Zealand has to offer. When there were times I felt challenged such as crossing the ice cold rivers, but Katie, our guide, always showed patience and encouragement. The food, when prepared by our guides was delicious and healthy. A million thanks and gratitude to both Katie and Laura for giving us a wonderful vacation and to the rest of our group with whom we experienced this adventure together!”

Dominique Parsons – Texas, United StatesFebruary 2015

Trip of a lifetime

“We were very pleased with the trip of a lifetime... Our guides were organized and fun to be with. We saw much of the South Island and kept busy with all the adventures! We made many new friends and hope to return someday on another Active Adventure!”

Cindy Benike – Minnesota, United StatesFebruary 2015

Awesome Adventure

“Wonderful trip! Exceeded my expectations!”

Jane Stone – California, United StatesFebruary 2015

My wonderful Active Adventure Trip in South Island, New Zealand

“Such an extraordinarily well planned and executed trip - there is absolutely nothing I could fault. From the two fabulous, friendly and efficient team leaders, GT and Celia, to the comfortable bus and well planned itinerary which managed to pack in so much without being absolutely exhausting!
”

Dee Young – West Midlands, United KingdomFebruary 2015

I loved New Zealand

“Touring the South Island of New Zealand with guides Laura and Cassie was an exceptional way to see the beautiful landscapes up close and personal. Hiking in the sun and rain, kayaking with seals, helicoptering onto the Franz Joseph glacier and everything else were all things I wouldn't have done on my own. Great trip, Active Adventures!! Thank you.”

Carla Raffo – California, United StatesFebruary 2015

Tui Trip February 2015

“This is a "must do" trip for those who want to see the South Island with all its splendor doing multiple activities! You will never get bored on this adventure!”

Holley Harris – Texas, United StatesFebruary 2015

Great guides and beautiful country

“Hello to all at Active Adventures. We just got home from our Tui trip. This truly was the trip of a lifetime. To begin, If one thing stood out that made the trip it was our fantastic guides. We had Logan and Amanda. While both went above and beyond to make sure the trip - and the food went flawlessly I have to single out Amanda. I could never have asked for a better guide. She has a head full of knowledge about New Zealand that never ceased to amaze. She even went as far as to bake gluten free muffins for my girlfriend. It was her birthday during the trip and she even baked a gluten free cake. Amazing! I really liked the diversity of hikes, bikes and kayaks. It really broke up the trip and kept us motivated. Besides a couple of bruises and some sore muscles we came out of the trip great. I will recommend you guys to all my friends - and to strangers too. We have started planning our next trip to NZ. We are thinking about going back every year. I want to give everyone at Active a special thank you for creating and managing such a great trip!! Brad Zefkeles.”

Brad Zefkeles – Washington, United StatesFebruary 2015

Bill's very special adventure

“There was so much to like about our Tui adventure I couldn't possibly put it all into words. New Zealand is beautiful but what made the adventure so great were the two very special guides we had: Cassy and Laura. Thanks so much to both of them.”

William Raffo – California, United StatesFebruary 2015

My trip of a lifetime - TUI, January 18, 2015

“What a wonderful way to see and experience New Zealand for the first time. Our guides, Jasmine and Mel, were terrific in every way. They are knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating and fun to travel with. The meals were unbelievably good and they had no trouble pleasing my "fishatarian" palate. The TUI trip provides everything one needs to experience this beautiful country in every way possible in one activity-packed week. Bravo!”

Carol Ferguson – Illinois, United StatesFebruary 2015

Best Way to See New Zealand

“The trip was everything I expected and more. The guides were great and helped me get the most out of my trip. There is no way I could have done and seen the amount of things we did without the help of Active Adventures. ”

Jason Burchard – , United KingdomFebruary 2015

The perfect trip

“This trip was one of the best experiences of my life. The sights we saw, and the friendships which were made, made the entire 8 days completely unforgettable. The tour was run perfectly by our tour guides Craig and Elder, whose intelligence, sense of humour and courage made them inspirational role models during the difficult hikes. Their adaptability in the face of adversity was impressive. From hiking the stunning Routeburn Track to kayaking through glorious Milford Sound, this was the adventure tour to end all adventure tours!”

Murray Dixon – New South Wales, AustraliaJanuary 2015

Awesome trip!!

“Our Tui trip took us through jaw-dropping scenery, on all kinds of hikes from easy to challenging, on a fun bike ride along a river and lake, and a sea kayaking excursion in the stunning and magical Milford Sound. Both guides were wonderful, so patient and helpful, always cheerful. I learned a lot, too, about NZ and its biology, culture, society - often relayed to us through colorful anecdotes. We had great meals and a terrific mix of accommodations, always in beautiful locations. Queenstown was great fun and allowed us to pick the kinds of activities we wanted - from bungy jumping to paragliding to river rafting and so much more the choices are almost overwhleming. ”

Bruce Smith – California, United StatesJanuary 2015

Active hiking

“Great guides, walks and interesting food and accommodations.”

Eric Monson – Colorado, United StatesJanuary 2015

Tui Trip

“The trip was unbelievable. The guides were awesome, very knowledgeable and insightful. The food and accommodation selections were perfect for what we were doing. I will say the trip is very frontloaded in terms of the more challenging activities - I wish we could've had one more long hike towards the backend of the trip. With that being said, the trip does leave you feeling relaxed without anything strenuous towards the end. ”

Kyle Hairston – Texas, United StatesJanuary 2015

“Beautiful country. Well organized. Great leaders. Wonderful people. Great level of activity. A winner!”

Hayley Cohen – New Jersey, United StatesJanuary 2015

The perfect adventure holiday

“I can't thank active adventures enough for giving us the perfect active holiday, our holiday guides were knowledgable, friendly and happy to do all they could to make the trip unforgettable. We would definitely choose active for any future holiday.”

Anne Davies – New South Wales, AustraliaJanuary 2015

“Vanessa and Sally were great. very knowledgeable, great fun, great cooks/drivers. I completely trusted them. Thanks for giving us too strong female guides -we don't see enough of that and we do a lot of group travel. we would love to get their email addresses to send them a thank you note. the activities were spot on. the exercise level was perfect (we were exhausted every night in a good way). The places of interest we hit were perfect. Lynette was super responsive and helpful getting it all set up. would be happy to be a good reference at any time. we're already telling all our friends about it!”

Deanna Morris – California, United StatesJanuary 2015

Trip of a lifetime

“The Tui active adventures trip was truly the trip of a lifetime. Our guides were fantastic and were constantly doing everything in their power to make sure that everyone was safe, and having a great time. It was the perfect amount of physical activity to make sure you went to bed each night feeling accomplished while never being too strenuous to the point of discomfort. Would do it again in a heartbeat and will definitely be looking to Active adventures again for any guided trips in the future.”

Mitchell Walsh – Minnesota, United StatesJanuary 2015

Amazing NZ

“An amazing trip to a wonderful country with two excellent guides. ”

Tim Walsh – Minnesota, United StatesJanuary 2015

Salad Bowl

“Great sights. Great people. Great time. Really enjoyed every aspect of the trip. New Zealand has everything to offer and we got to experience it all with our outstanding guides..Nick and Alex! Just an all around awesome trip. Thanks guys.”

Mitch Bradley – Connecticut, United StatesJanuary 2015

“Overall I really enjoy the TUI trip. Greg and Elder are excellent and experienced guides. I'll recommend the trip to my friends. ”

Baorong Chen – California, United StatesJanuary 2015

A perfect honeymoon

“My husband and I chose to celebrate our honeymoon in New Zealand with Active Adventures - it was truly the trip of a lifetime. We loved the hiking, the great accommodations, wonderful meals and absolutely spectacular guides! I can only begin to describe in words the incredible beauty that is New Zealand. ”

Michael Prince – Minnesota, United StatesJanuary 2015

Best trip ever!

“New Zealand is breathtakingly beautiful and this trip was a great South Island experience. Our guides, Craig and Elder, were fantastic and made the weather a really important part of our adventure. Rain and shine we hiked in amazing locations and learned a lot about NZ history, kiwi culture and the birds! I couldn't call out one single highlight because every day was unique and special in its own way. From daily hikes to jetboating to heli-rides to mountain biking to kayaking we were on the go and it was fantastic! We had very full days and covered a lot of ground! We enjoyed the group comradery. It is a trip our family will always remember & appreciate!”

Andrea Walsh – Minnesota, United StatesJanuary 2015

Tui trip was loads of fun!

“We had a fabulous time -- all four of us. We weren't sure what to expect and were a little concerned that the hiking/activity level might not be rigorous enough but it was, and we had so much fun exploring the spectacular scenery of New Zealand while enjoying great hikes and other activities. We really liked everyone on the tour and our guides were the absolute best! Our only regret was that we couldn't stay longer.”

Beth Gerstein – California, United StatesJanuary 2015

Jasmine and Nat Rocked Tui!

“We really enjoyed our trip and New Zealand is gorgeous! We really enjoyed all of the activities. It was a nice balance between hikes, biking and water activities. We loved the plane ride to the valley - really awesome! All of the accommodations were really nice and the food was over the top. Our guides went above and beyond ensuring we had a great time. ”

PJ Darling – California, United StatesJanuary 2015

Awesome Trip!

“Around every turn in New Zealand is another breathtaking view! Rolling green hills dotted with sheep, white capped mountain tops, fern forests, sparkling clear lakes and glacier rivers. It was great meeting the people in our group and each and every one really made the trip a lot of fun...never a dull moment! Our guides Alex and Nick were awesome!! They had a great sense of humor and went with the flow which was sort of ironic. Laughs and more laughs. Our trip took us beyond the ordinary....just amazing. Hiking, biking, flying, jet boating, kayaking... all off the beaten path. Do it again? YES.”

Patricia Bradley – Connecticut, United StatesJanuary 2015

Tui Trip

“Long story short, I will recommend Active Adventures to anyone I know that is planning a trip to New Zealand. My trip started off a little rocky, thanks to a couple of delayed and missed flights. Luckily, all the stress and worry about getting to where I needed to be and meeting up with my group quickly disappeared. The wonderful people at Active Adventures sorted everything out. They even had a guide waiting at the airport when I arrived to drive me to meet up with my group. The two guides for my trip, Dave and Celia, were wonderful when it came to making sure I was introduced to the rest of my group and that I felt welcome. Overall, my trip was fantastic, and it's not anything that I'll be forgetting anytime soon. ”

Megan Kennedy – Ohio, United StatesJanuary 2015

Best Country on the Planet

“If you take all the best bits of all the best places you have ever visited and put them all in one Country, guess what... you get New Zealand! Beautiful, enchanting, relaxed and that's just the Kiwi's! 10/10. Thank you New Zealand, you were magical.”

Paul Brand – Essex, United KingdomDecember 2014

travels among kiwis and tuis

“"Essence of the South Island" really is a sampling of the phenomenal scenery flora and fauna of a beautiful, seismic, and waterfall laced temperate rainforest. Hiking, biking, kayaking and sharing meals with a small group of travelers, with experienced and unfailingly upbeat guides made for a warm experience. We could have spent much more time at almost any of the locations and activities we sampled!”

Bill Deutsch – Iowa, United StatesDecember 2014

Tui trip Nov 2015

“This trip was such an ideal way to see New Zealand. I especially appreciated the expertise of our guides, Cassie and Alex. Not only did they know the history, culture, and mythology behind many of the sights, they could identify most plants and birds on the spot. Alex even had us eating leaves and ferns! Both Alex and Cassie really went out of their way to personalize the trip for each of us, which made it all the more special. Thanks again ladies for an awesome NZ experience!!”

Farran Briggs – New Hampshire, United StatesDecember 2014

Fantastic Experience!

“From the first inquiry about a trek and all the way through to the trek itself, Active Adventures was a pleasure to do business with. Office staff are friendly, quick with responses to questions posed and very knowledgeable. The guides were friendly, fun, experienced, professional, knowledgeable, patient and made sure every participant had the experience they had come for, and then some. I hope I can trek with them again some day. Based on my personal experience I would not hesitate to recommend Active Adventures to anyone looking for an exciting and fun way to see New Zealand. You are well taken care of and all that is left to you is to enjoy the experience. Bring a can do attitude and they'll make sure you have the trip your life! ”

Jeannine Smith – Oregon, United StatesDecember 2014

Cant wait to travel again with AA

“I can't say enough good things about this Company, from the time of booking to the end of my trip. Very user friendly booking and everyone I spoke to was very helpful and always very happy, which was great for someone who had little personal time to plan a vacation. The group was small (9) which was great in both being able to meet new people while not feeling lost in a crowd of people. The guides Dan & Sarah were quite amazing in keeping us seeing and learning about the beauty of of New Zealand and accomodating our style of "active and adventure level". The guides went to the nth degree to make sure you were having a great time and were happy. Its been 1 month now since my trip with AA and I'm still roaring about it to my friends and family. What a blast -Thank you AA! -Tracy”

Tracy Coe – California, United StatesNovember 2014

Tremendous, fantastic trip!

“Cannot say enough about our excellent tour guides and the overwhelming beauty of the South Island. Trip blew away our incredibly high expectations.”

Siobhan Cunningham – Massachusetts, United StatesNovember 2014

The discovery of hidden treasures

“A good trip right from the start, as the group formed itself - and this was a key to enjoying what Active brings you to. Unpredictable, of course, but in this case the chemistry worked well. Above that, we had a well-led, fascinatingly revealing journey of great variety. We are busy recommending to our friends. upcoming diversions will keep us somewhat anchored at home for a year or so, but we will be back!”

Jim Bradford – Quebec, CanadaMay 2014

“Absolutely wonderful, I took this trip because I wanted to challenge myself as someone who doesn't do a lot of outdoor oriented activities and it did push me, but gave me a sense of achievement and fulfillment which I can definitely cement as something to look back on. My guide Cassie, and the rest of my group were very welcoming and accommodating, making this marvelous trip absolutely memorable.”

Vivian Pham – New South Wales, AustraliaMay 2014

Tui trip with Lauren and Amanda Feb 2014

“Wonderful leaders who we had complete faith in. They went out of their way to help us. We liked the varied accommodation and the activities suited us. The walks were appropriate for the party. The size of the party was right though not sure about booking one single and 8 couples. Loved the biking the jet boat the plane ride and kayaking. Maybe giving us an hour before the evening meal to relax and socialise would be good. Overall v well organised.”

Sue Whyte – Lancashire, United KingdomApril 2014

Awesome Jeffery family adventure

“We couldn't have asked for a better way for our family to spend the Easter holidays together. Certainly never a dull moment! Fantastic guides and lucky to have a great group to travel with. Such a beautiful environment to keep everyone interested in all the activities, 15yrs old to 50yrs old!”

Sue Jeffery – Queensland, AustraliaApril 2014

Spectacular Time!

“This trip is everything promised - and more! When I look back on all that we did in just a few short days, I am amazed. If you really want to get away from it all and experience the magic that is New Zealand, grab a good friend and sign up for this trip. ”

Mary Ann Lackland – Texas, United StatesApril 2014

Tui South Island trip reivew

“Fantastic trip for folks that want activity and not just a tour! I will go again with them on another trip to another destination. Great attention to detail and great guides. I felt I was in great hands and trusted them completely. The itinerary was perfect.”

Debbie Proctor – Florida, United StatesApril 2014

Sensory overload?

“An amazing 8 days. Packed with just enough challenges and experiences. New Zealand providing the backdrop and our guides taking us to all the right places and awakening all those sleeping city living senses. ”

Sonya Perica – New South Wales, AustraliaApril 2014

It was fantastic!!!! A life time experience...

“In one word I just loved it.”

Paul Paul – Ontario, CanadaApril 2014

The South Island Adventure

“I think it Is difficult to express in words our South Island experience. New Zealand's South island is a paradise on earth. The beauty of nature is stunning. The attitude of the locals is extremely friendly. The culture of life centering in the participation of outdoor activities is one to be imitated worldwide. Nevertheless I am sure that our experience was even more pleasant having the privilege of sharing this experience with Sarah and Huw. From the first day Sarah spoke to each one of us... Trying to get to know us better. Whether we had any health issues. Whether we preferred some type of food. Huw been such a strong man at the same time been so gentle and noble. They always went the extra mile to please us. The food was perfect. When Sarah cooked it tasted so good. Everything so organized. So much warmth in their demeanor. We will not only miss New Zealand... but we will also miss them. ”

Wanda Vega – Puerto Rico, Puerto RicoApril 2014

“The Tui trip was excellent. It was very well planned and was able to be adapted to all different interests and fitness levels. The food and accommodations were beyond expectation. I have already recommended this trip to a number of my friends and family and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a more active way to see NZ.”

Lauren Frizzell – California, United StatesApril 2014

Amazing

“Our Tui trip was amazing. It was physically challenging and we felt so accomplished after each activity. We didn't worry about anything. The entire trip, it was so nice to be told what time to meet up in the morning and thats all you had to worry about. Even when our helicopter ride to the glacier got cancelled due to weather, they had a plan B and we went straight to another hike. The guides were great and were always talking with us and telling great stories. We got to experience such beautiful places and I am looking forward to doing another active adventure trip!”

Angela Gamble – Florida, United StatesApril 2014

“Before the trip, I wrote to you about our group - wanting more challenging hikes and treks. Andrew and Alex really rose to the challenge and they were awesome. They not only added extra hikes but also challenged us to go faster. It was a fun filled action packed trekking experience.”

Jonathan Leung – , Hong KongApril 2014

Tui Experience

“This trip was the perfect length for someone with limited time. You get a great feel of the country's nature beauty and diversity.”

Mike Masur – Florida, United StatesApril 2014

Tui trip with Andrew and Alex

“I have to say Andrew and Alex both did a very good job. I like both of them. They are very professional. Their friendly and sociable character created a pleasure trip for us. I think this was the highlight of the trip for me. I will give them a very perfect score.”

David Chu – , Hong KongApril 2014

“Your guides, namely Andrew and Alex were very professional and helpful. While the South Island of New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places in the world.”

Brian Tong – , Hong KongApril 2014

Absolutely loved it!

“This trip is a must for people who love hiking, outdoor activities, and unspoilt New Zealand. The experience exceeded my expectations, and I look forward to doing other tours with Active.”

Russell Yeh – NA, Hong KongMarch 2014

Maria's big 50

“I really enjoyed the trip. For me it was just the right length. Amanda and Dan really made the trip awesome! Met new friends which is always a plus. Can't wait to do another one in the future. ”

Gayle Erickson – Florida, United StatesMarch 2014

Tui trip 23 Feb thru 2 Mar 2014

“Our Tui was a compact adventure-rich introduction to the South Island replete with easy-going companions and guides and perfect weather. We were blessed to have it all!”

Kim Abell – New York, United StatesMarch 2014

Amazing New Zealand - South

“This was the second part of my New Zealand adventure, after having spent the first week plus on the North Island. I had settled in nicely with the group in the North, and very much missed them when we parted. So it took a day or two to reacclimate with the new AA team and group of participants. Having said this, the South Island adventure was every bit as wonderful and magnificent as the North. The islands are so very different, and I am grateful I chose to see some of both areas in order to get a good feel for the country as a whole, something I would highly recommend to anyone visiting New Zealand for the first time.”

Deborah Vanasek – Arizona, United StatesMarch 2014

More Adventures on Another Planet

“After the five days on our Kauri extravaganza, Tui became another "other world" experience! Prior to the trip, when sharing concerns about the physical challenges I might encounter, my friends told me that I didn't have to do activity, but with Andrew and Sarah's thoughtful suggestions, I was able to challenge myself and feel satisfied that I accomplished a few personal feats! ”

Marion Abell – Vermont, United StatesMarch 2014

2014 New Zealand trip - Tui tour

“In February, 2014, we made our first visit to New Zealand. After spending the first week on the North Island with friends, we flew to Christchurch for the start of Active New Zealand's Tui tour. Tui was wonderful - a very nice mix of places we saw, excellent tour guides, a great mix of hiking and other activities, and an exceptional group to travel with.”

Lee Schiller – Maine, United StatesMarch 2014

Great trip in a beautiful country

“We had an amazing time on our Tui Trip. The itinerary brought us to some of the most breathtaking scenery we have ever seen and even getting to these spots was an adventure in itself, whether it was hiking, biking, kayaking, flying, or heli-hiking! Our wonderful guides Cassie & Natalie & our group made an amazing trip even better, everyone got along so well & really enjoyed each other's company. Highly recommended!”

Dani Fay – Washington, United StatesMarch 2014

A great taste of the South Island

“Our Tui Adventure in February was absolutely amazing! Our guides were spectacular and the itinerary was well thought out and included so many things we never would have gotten to had we done this trip without Active Adventures. Thank you so much for the incredible memories!”

Jacquie Falde – Massachusetts, United StatesMarch 2014

Best Vacation Experience

“This is one of those trips you'll never forget. The tour guides were excellent and complimented the trip and experience perfectly. The only problem was that it wasn't longer! Getting to know the fellow travelers was a lot of fun and we had a great time with everybody. They catered the adventures for the skill level of those in the group, so we'd break off when we wanted more challenges and could sit back when needed. I can't wait to take another Active Adventures trip ... and can't wait to get back to New Zealand!”

Michael Gamble – Florida, United StatesMarch 2014

Tui Tour - CG

“Loved this amazing Tour! ”

Cathy Gormley – Queensland, AustraliaFebruary 2014

Man, what an adventure.

“It was the most exciting and exhilarating adventure of my life. Daniel was the BOMB as we say it here in Barbados. He thought of everything, and was always surprising us with treats and excellent food. Around every corner was always another post card panorama, and the hikes were to die for. I would say that New Zealand and Active together, are an unbeatable combination. I so look forward to coming back to do the 2 week Rimu, and to experience the wonders of the most beautiful country I have ever visited. Until then, keep up the Kiwi spirit of adventure.”

Dwight Richards – Christ Church, BarbadosFebruary 2014

Amazing Country and Trip!

“My husband and I had a fabulous time on the Tui trip. Cassie and Natalie were amazing guides and made the trip extra special. The places we visited were absolutely gorgeous and we really lucked out with the weather. The highlight of the trip was the night spent in Siberia Valley and hike to Lake Crucible.”

Liz Cappiello – DC, United StatesFebruary 2014

Tui review

“The Tui trip was wonderful! I saw a lot of amazing new places, tried new things, and met some great people, and I can't wait for my next trip with Active Adventures!”

Ali Bixler – Wisconsin, United StatesFebruary 2014

Tui February 2014

“With only seven days to see the South Island the Tui trip was perfect! Our guide, Ken, was wonderful and could not have done more to make the trip exciting and enjoyable for our group. The week was perfectly planned and orchestrated. Thank you Active Adventures NZ!”

Pam DeAnna – California, United StatesFebruary 2014

A Breathtaking and Inspiring Experience

“Before arriving in NZ I wasn't sure what to expect, but was always excited and looking forward to it. Coming from a small country in the Caribbean this trip lived up to and exceeded my expectations. It was well organized and the country itself is awe inspiring, the areas that we visited are like nature's art room. ”

Myrna Greaves – Christ Church, BarbadosFebruary 2014

Worth every penny

“Lauren and Nicole MADE this trip! Funny, knowledgeable and willing to do anything to meet our needs. NZ is a beautiful country with lovely people.”

Dina Nightingale – Iowa, United StatesJanuary 2014

“The incredible beauty of the New Zealand landscape took center stage at every turn. Active Adventures allowed us to enjoy it from remote locations, without crowds.”

Candace Wait – New York, United StatesJanuary 2014

Tui trip review

“It was an amazing trip and even with the rain I wouldn't have traded it for anything. Dave and Sally were great guides getting us to where we needed to go and ensuring it was all safe. The whole trip was great, my favorite part of the trip was going to the Siberia Valley. The whole trip from the plane ride to the hike (almost to Lake Crucible), to the stay in the hut and the jet boat ride. I was disappointed that we weren't able to make it all the way to Lake Crucible but that was only due to the weather. I also really enjoyed kayaking in Milford Sound. The trip overall wasn't entirely what I was expecting. I expected there to be more hikes like the one up to Lake Crucible. The only thing that I don't feel I got my whole money's worth was the heli ride to the glacier. The original plan was to ride the heli to Franz Josef glacier and hike the glacier, but because of weather the helis were not flying. Later at Milford Sound we got a heli ride and did a snow landing and had a great view of a glacier. I really enjoyed it; however, I don't feel it had the same monetary value. I am really glad I found Active Adventures and I look forward to my next trip.”

Crystal Schaefer – California, United StatesJanuary 2014

29 Dec 2013; Tui Tour with Dave and Sally

“Even the rain did not effect the quality of our trip. The Tui trip was great. Dave and Sally were super guides.”

Donna Quinby – Washington, United StatesJanuary 2014

TUI

“Thanks to Active Adventure and our fantastic guides, Daniel and Jackson, for a great trip! This trip was more than I could have imagined. My favorite parts included a hike to Lake Crucible and a chance to swim in a glacier lake; my first time, but hopefully not my last. The food and lodging exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed the opportunity to partake in the external activities, I loved bungy jumping the Nevis! This trip was fantastic, and I could not have asked for a better group to enjoy this amazing adventure across the South Island of New Zealand with!”

Zach Jones – New York, United StatesJanuary 2014

“Trip was wonderful. Our guides worked hard and were extremely efficient. ”

Anne Lovatt – Pennsylvania, United StatesJanuary 2014

Unlike anywhere else

“Very organized, outstanding guides whom were not only knowledgeable and proud of their country but could discuss in detail the entire New Zealand eco-system. I must admit these same guides could cook an amazing meal. I really enjoyed the accommodations and various activities scheduled during the Tui trip, many of them being first time experiences and memorable. ”

Robert Noose – Illinois, United StatesJanuary 2014

“Great guides (Dave and Nick) to complement the great outdoors and activities.”

Tom Benson – Texas, United StatesDecember 2013

Tui Dec 15, 2013

“I had a blast on the Tui trip. Our leaders, Dave and Nick, were very knowledgeable about New Zealand's history and different animals and plant life we encountered. They were extremely professional and addressed any and all questions and concerns. The range of activities from hiking, mountain biking, boating, and an airplane ride provided new and exciting experiences.”

Kelli Benson – Illinois, United StatesDecember 2013

Bucket List Item Fullfilled to the Max

“The trip was exactly as described in the itinerary EXCEPT for the exceptional service we received from our guides; they made the trip outstanding. The group we were with was equally wonderful and the vacation was exactly what my husband and I wanted.”

Eric Avery – Texas, United StatesDecember 2013

Amazing trip for hikers

“This was by far the most comprehensive trip of the South Island we found when researching tours. It didn't disappoint. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable, down to earth, and totally willing to cater to our fitness and comfort levels with the different activities (biking, kayaking, hiking). It was great knowing that they were there to help, but I still felt like the hikes were challenging. The accommodations and food were much better than I was expecting as well. The hikes themselves were amazing and I was really grateful that the guides found time in our schedules to sneak in extra stops where they could. The highlight for me was staying in the Siberia Hut - I've never been that remote in wilderness before, and the hike to Crucible Lake was incredible. I would recommend this tour in a heartbeat to anyone looking to experience the South Island!”

Appie Hirve – Alabama, United StatesDecember 2013

Challenging!

“Fantastic scenery every day and very challenging for me! Our group of hikers were great companions with which to share this adventure. As one of the oldest in our group (more than twice the age of half the group), it often was a struggle for me to keep up ... but I did. Our 3 guides were delightful in every way, well informed and supportive with a great sense of humor which helped immensely. Doubt if I'll ever do this adventurous and rigorous tour again but am ever so glad that I did this one. The marathon of my life!! ”

Judith Bernardini – Pennsylvania, United StatesDecember 2013

The best guides you could ask for

“We had three guides and they were an awesome team! We loved the Maori stories from Daniel while driving 'Bert', the special occasion desserts by Amanda, and river crossings and mountain hut meals with Cassie! Our group was great, and we hope we might travel with them again some time!”

Debbie Clark – Connecticut, United StatesDecember 2013

Great adventure trip!

“The trip was super well organized. Nothing was left unplanned. The guides followed the schedule without making us feel rushed during the various activities. 'Active' is an understatement. It was more like HYPER-Active, but in a good way. It was challenging and exhausting, but fun. The outdoor activities were immersed you, allowing you to enjoy the surroundings. This tour definitely takes you off the beaten track so it was nice to have time to relax between activities at the lodges of the different towns that we visited.”

Heber Robinson – Florida, United StatesDecember 2013

Blue water, gorgeous views, great service!

“This trip was absolutely everything I expected. I felt like every day was full of activities and I had so many great experiences. Each day was long but the week was short! The food and accommodations were not luxury, but we stayed in comfortable and clean places and the food was great, especially the food the guides prepared. The group we went with was amazing. In fact, the whole experience was so great I'm looking at the Galapagos trip! I would travel with Active again in a heartbeat.”

Sarah Struble – Wisconsin, United StatesDecember 2013

Best trip ever!

“Even after travelling in over 30 countries, New Zealand and this trip in particular rank right at the top. I've never been on a more diverse trip in terms of activities, landscape, food. We were able to see so many different sites in just 7 days. Very well organized, and the smallest details were looked after by our excellent guides. A great mix of physical activity, sightseeing in our van, great food, and wonderful conversations with our fellow guests and guides. Can't say enough good things about this trip! ”

Beth Dary – Florida, United StatesDecember 2013

Awesome!

“Our Tui trip was awesome. Our guides went to the extra effort to give us more hiking and biking options to make our trip even more enjoyable and tailored to our specific level of activity. ”

Kim Barna – Michigan, United StatesNovember 2013

Tui trip November 2013

“Our trip could not have been better. New Zealand is so very beautiful, the people kind and welcoming, the country so clean. Cassie, Dan and Sarah made the trip fun, interesting and different every day. They were all amazing hikers, great sources of knowledge and so very gracious about every detail.”

Nancy Yeomans – Texas, United StatesNovember 2013

Our Trip of a Lifetime!!

“My partner and I went on this trip to celebrate her retirement. We so looked forward to going off the beaten track and being active on our vacation and with Active Adventures help we did that and more. Expert, kind, supportive and fun guides, incredibly beautiful country, well planned hikes, biking and kayaking all added up to eight days we will never forget. Worth every penny and more!!!”

Sandy Martyn – California, United StatesNovember 2013

Tui Trip

“This trip was truly a trip of a lifetime. The combination of hiking, biking and kayaking was such fun in the midst of constantly changing but gorgeous scenery. Our guides were superb. They were friendly, warm, funny and created opportunities for those at different fitness levels to get the most out of the trip. We had a blast in one of the most scenic and spectacular places on earth: the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. I highly recommend this trip!”

Allie McDonald – California, United StatesNovember 2013

Everything I hoped it would be!

“I had never done any group travel before, so I wasn't totally sure what to expect. The trip was everything I hoped it would be an more. It felt like being on a vacation where someone has done all the planning, selected all the right locations to visit, then expertly organizes your days for you. I was also travelling solo for the first time and the guides and group members all made me feel very welcome.”

Gillian McCabe – Massachusetts, United StatesNovember 2013

Perfect in every way

“"If the trip is as good as the pre-travel customer service, these vacations will be amazing" was my thought before boarding the plane. Well, Active Adventures New Zealand team Jacks and Loren managed to surpass my highest expectations. I really hope I can go back. What an amazing trip in every sense; food, adventures, and fun. ”

Marjorie Pilli – Florida, United StatesOctober 2013

Tui with Ken

“We loved our Tui trip. We covered most of the South Island with Ken leading the way. We hiked (tramped), biked and kayaked in your beautiful country. Haast Pass had been closed due to weather so Ken changed our trip and we saw a few places not on the itinerary including a hike in an abandoned gold mine filled with glow worms. One highlight was sea kayaking in Milford Sound with two Fiordland crested penguins.”

Lisa Kozak – Pennsylvania, United StatesOctober 2013

Spring Tui trip with Lauren and Jacs

“We really had great time! Lauren and Jacs were wonderful with my 14 year old daughter! They provided encouragement to her throughout the trip and she was able to accomplish tasks that I would never have been able to get her to do (e.g. bike ride and cold water!) They provided a wonderful energy to each day that was infectious! We hope to return for another adventure!”

Michelle Maeda – Hawaii, United StatesOctober 2013

Kayaking on Milford Sound was awesome

“Kayaking on Milford Sound was awesome, even as we wore our Dr. Seuss striped long underwear and kayak top.”

Why travel with Active Adventures?

Legendary Kiwi Hospitality

Above all, we aim to be amazing hosts. We're proud of our kiwi roots, and our professional, warm and relaxed style of running trips around the world is unforgettable.

Expert LOCAL Guides & Trip Leaders

We're VERY picky about who we select to work in our team, and we have people from all over the world lining up to guide our trips. So we get to hire the absolute BEST in the business.

Everything is Included

As soon as you get off the plane, we've got all the details of your vacation covered – top notch meals, comfortable transport & accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.

A Sense of Achievement

Whether you’re new to adventure travel, or you’ve never travelled in a group before, you’ll find yourself arriving home positively different from when you left.

Small Groups

With our small groups (no more than 14), you'll get to know our team, your fellow travellers, and have the flexibility and freedom to do as much (or as little!) as you like.

Diverse Experiences

It's all about getting there under your own steam – on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike. What better way is there to experience mind blowing scenery? If it's your first time, no worries – our expert guides have got you covered.

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Your brochure will be with you soon - you've embarked on an amazing adventure. We’ll be in touch with you soon to make sure it’s arrived and to check in and see if you need any help with your travel plans.